YouTube has introduced new parental control features, which finally give parents the ability to limit or completely block children and teens' access to YouTube Shorts.
This change comes after growing concerns about the impact that short, algorithm-driven videos may have on the attention and digital behavior of young people.
According to studies on online behavior and international media reports, short videos provide a constant stimulus to the brain's reward system, while algorithms continuously suggest new content to keep users on the platform for as long as possible. This can make it more difficult for children to control their screen time.
With the new update, parents will have:
The ability to limit or completely block YouTube Shorts.
More options to control the content your children see.
Greater control over your YouTube experience.
Experts warn that constantly switching from one video to another can make it harder to maintain concentration for long periods, cause mental fatigue, and create the habit of consuming information only in very short fragments.
Also, excessive screen time is often associated with less physical activity, less face-to-face interaction, and decreased patience, as children become accustomed to immediate rewards.
However, experts emphasize that the problem lies not only in the format of short videos, but also in the way and time of their use. Parental controls can be an important help, but the most effective solution remains maintaining a healthy balance between online activities, learning, rest and real life.
