YouTube is taking steps to enhance teen safety measures of its teenage users by introducing new features aimed at protecting them from potentially harmful content and promoting healthier online habits. In an effort to create a safer digital environment for teenagers, YouTube is implementing changes to content recommendations, crisis resource panels, and break reminders.
Content Recommendations for Teens
One of the key changes involves content recommendations targeted at teenagers. YouTube recognizes the impact of repetitive exposure to certain types of content, especially those related to body image and non-contact social aggression. To address this concern, YouTube is limiting the recommendations of such content to teenagers. This proactive approach aims to protect teenagers from feeling inadequate or facing harmful influences.
James Beser, Director of Product Management for YouTube Kids and Youth, explained that working with an Advisory Committee helped identify categories of content that, while seemingly harmless as individual videos, can be problematic when repeatedly presented to teenagers. By limiting these recommendations, YouTube hopes to create a more positive and responsible content environment for its teenage users.
Revamped Crisis Resource Panels
YouTube is also revamping its crisis resource panels, which provide access to third-party crisis hotlines and direct users toward more positive topics. These panels will now be presented as full-page experiences, interrupting the normal flow of information to encourage teenagers to reflect on their search queries. This change aims to offer support and guidance during potentially difficult moments.
Take a Break and Bedtime Reminders
In an effort to promote healthier screen time habits, YouTube is making its “Take a Break” and “Bedtime” reminders more prominent. These reminders will appear as fullscreen takeovers, interrupting video playback or search results. By doing so, YouTube encourages teenagers to take regular breaks and adhere to designated bedtime schedules. Parents can adjust the frequency of these reminders through parental control settings.
Guidance on Content Creation and Interactions
Furthermore, YouTube is providing additional guidance to teenagers on content creation. This guidance emphasizes empathy, awareness, and best practices for engaging with comments, shares, and other online interactions. It aims to empower teenagers to create content that is respectful and responsible while fostering positive online interactions.
In summary, YouTube is taking significant steps to enhance the safety and well-being of its teenage users. By limiting certain content recommendations, revamping crisis resource panels, and promoting healthy screen time habits, YouTube is committed to creating a more secure and positive online environment for teenagers. Additionally, the guidance on content creation and interactions encourages responsible online behavior among its teenage user community.
