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YouTube Adds New Parental Controls for Teens, Including a Zero Timer for Shorts

The features roll out in the coming weeks under YouTube’s supervised accounts framework.

Overview

  • Parents can set time limits on how long teens scroll Shorts, with an option to set the timer to zero, which YouTube calls an industry-first.
  • Parents of supervised accounts can create custom Bedtime and Take a Break reminders to encourage pauses in viewing.
  • An updated in-app sign-up and account-switching flow will let parents create kid accounts and move between profiles with a few taps in the coming weeks.
  • TechCrunch reports families can block access to Shorts temporarily or permanently, and that adults can opt in to the same limits and reminders.
  • YouTube says these updates build on its protections for under-18 accounts, with prior age-estimation work aimed at delivering age-appropriate experiences.