The content available on the internet is generally unsuitable for children. Vulgarity, pornography and even violent images can shock young children. In order to protect 3-9 year olds, Google has launched YouTube Kids, a YouTube channel with content tailored to younger viewers. Downloadable on smartphones, The application arrived in France on 16 November 2016.
On 16 November, Google announced the arrival in France of YouTube Kids. Created in early 2014 and initially released in the United States, the application aims to protect young children from adult content and reassure parents.
Simplified use for greater safety
To access the contents of the application, available at Android and iOS, There is no need to create a Google account or email address. YouTube Kids is thus demonstrating its commitment to not «profiling» children.
YouTube Kids has completely removed the social aspect of standard YouTube. In this adapted version, it is impossible to share videos, post comments or upload content. The features are limited to selecting and watching videos. The app is divided into four tabs: YouTube recommendations, shows, music and educational videos. However, settings can be adjusted to allow parents to disable search, giving their children restricted access only to videos selected by the app's home page.
Tailored content
With its tagline «The favourite app for curious little ones», YouTube Kids makes clear its intention to combine entertainment and education. Children will therefore be able to find Didou the donkey, Little Brown Bear, or Oggy and the Cockroaches and It's not rocket science. for older children. Parents can configure the application by indicating their child's age to ensure more appropriate content. The videos available on the application are selected using an algorithm that Google is constantly improving. When asked by Europe 1, Justine Atlan, director of the e-Enfance association, supports the initiative for a YouTube channel dedicated to a family environment: «If parents are going to put their children in front of tablets, which is a reality everywhere in the world, including in France, then children should be watching content that is appropriate for their age.»
According to an Ipsos study conducted for the Gulli television channel (2015), 4-6 year olds spend an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes watching television every day. This time increases with age. The study shows that 7-10 year olds spend 2 hours and 53 minutes in front of the small screen, rising to 3 hours and 34 minutes in pre-adolescence. «Viewing time is crucial,» says Justine Atlan, "because [children] are not very aware of the passing of time. And since children completely lose track of time when they are sitting in front of a tablet, it is essential to be able to limit it."
Limited advertising
As with YouTube, Google displays advertising on YouTube Kids, but in a limited manner, according to the group. Advertising will only be visible in « pre-roll », i.e. at the beginning of the videos. The videos « pre-rolls » will be one minute long and can be skipped by the child after a few seconds, or twenty seconds long and cannot be skipped.
A platform for children that is not without risk
Despite Google's desire to create an environment that is more suitable for families and children in particular, the group points out that no algorithm is perfect. It is therefore essential that an adult supervises children's use of the app and can check what they are watching. Children who can read are able to change the settings chosen by their parents. The password on YouTube Kids that gives access to the application's settings cannot be personalised and is written in letters at the top of the page.
Consult the YouTube Kids Guide for Parents
