Islamabad, Jan 15:
YouTube has announced a series of updates aimed at helping parents better manage their children’s screen time and online viewing habits, as the platform continues to play a central role in how teenagers consume information, entertainment and educational content.
The new features, unveiled on Wednesday, focus on giving families greater control over short-form content, account management and the quality of videos recommended to younger users.
Among the key changes is the introduction of a Shorts Timer, which allows parents to set daily limits on how long teens can spend watching short-form videos. Parents will be able to adjust the timer based on circumstances — such as reducing usage during study hours or allowing more time during travel or weekends — with an option to permanently set the limit to zero.
YouTube said parents using supervised accounts will also be able to customise bedtime and break reminders, expanding existing health-related safeguards designed to encourage rest and balanced screen use.
In response to households that share mobile devices, the company is introducing an easier account switching feature. In the coming weeks, parents will be able to create accounts for their children more easily and switch between family profiles within the mobile app, ensuring personalised content settings and recommendations for each user.
The platform is also rolling out a new set of content quality principles aimed at guiding creators who produce videos for teenage audiences. Developed in collaboration with global experts, including the American Psychological Association and the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, the guidelines are intended to prioritise educational, age-appropriate and inspiring material.
YouTube said the changes would increase visibility for high-quality educational content from channels such as Khan Academy, CrashCourse and TED-Ed, helping teens strike a balance between entertainment and learning.
“Protecting children in the digital world requires thoughtful tools and clear guidance,” said Jennifer Flannery O’Connor, YouTube’s Vice President of Product Management, adding that the platform had spent years developing controls based on feedback from parents and child development experts.
YouTube said it would continue refining its products to meet the evolving needs of families, while maintaining a safe and engaging environment for younger users.
