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Original poster

Young DC and YouTube

26 replies

ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:18

DC1 is nearly 7, DC2 is 5. Dc1 is obsessed with watching stuff shite on YouTube. Almost never chooses to watch an actual cartoon or other program. I'm really torn with what to do. Dc1 loves a certain game that gets played at dad's house but not here. Lives for the one day a week that he can play the game at dad's. Here he wants to watch ut being played on YouTube. Either that or a "lads doing pranks" type channel.

DC2 isn't into the sane stuff at all and likes watching a series, or animal programs .

I'm torn, because I think its just such rubbish to watch (particularly the game one) the music isn't always what I'd want him listening to, and the behaviour/speech copying is bad. But - it's what he enjoys, and of course "well daddy let's me..."

I'd happily delete YouTube from the TV but for the fact that he also loves music videos.

What do you do with young DC watching shite on YouTube? I'm thinking to just time limit it to 30 minutes to start with.

OP posts:
Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:19

I find unheard because in real life, a lot if DCs friend have one or more games consoles, ipads, unlimited screen time etc. So I sound really harsh this I talk to them.

OP posts:
Howmanydaysuntilfriday · 09/04/2022 09:25

You are the parent you decide what your child watches or doesn't watch. Adjust the parental controls and block that you tube channel. If DC says it's not working you can either come clean and tell DC or say 'oh no dear find something else'. You can't stop what his dad lets him watch but you can at your own house. Children survived and happy childhoods long before you tube and music videos, if they have to be band all together then so be it

Isobelslider · 09/04/2022 09:27

Is there a particular reason why he's not allowed to play the game at your house?

Bobbybobbins · 09/04/2022 09:28

I would let him watch but definitely limit the time.

Isobelslider · 09/04/2022 09:28

I ask because most 7YO I know have access to some form of console. I'd say you are in the minority (although probably not on MN where gaming is the devil's work)

Fdora · 09/04/2022 09:31

I've completely removed YouTube from every device in my home as I was really worried about the inappropriate content that they eventually come across. whilst my 7yr old complained bitterly, they've gotten used it now and their behavior has vastly improved

They do get access to the kids YouTube app though which still had shite content but at least it's a bit safer

Is it worth talking to the father about this perhaps? (Is he reasonable and approachable)

Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:32

@Isobelslider I'm not against the game as such, but it's not compatible with the kindle we have.

I'm not against gaming clearly,but dobt havevthe money to send several hundred on the consol and m a but concerned about DC1 obsessive nature.

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Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:32

Sorry should have sud "gaming as a whole"

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Sandsnake · 09/04/2022 09:34

I’m not particularly strict but have a pretty much blanket ban on YouTube for six year old DS. Some small exceptions to watch space / maths videos that he likes (yep, I know that sounds really wanky Blush)

I don’t like the way that the algorithm makes it really mindless, with new videos suggested. With DS it can be quite addictive and I’m not sure it’s good for him, even when the content is fine. He can watch it at friends’ houses so I’m not manic about it, but it works for us to have no YouTube.

If that’s the route you want to go down he would probably be cross for a few days but he’d get over it. He could still get his fix at his dad’s but wouldn’t be exposed all the time. Good luck!

Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:36

@Fdora this is also an issue.

I was thinking about discussing the ExH but I'm not sure it would go well. Playing the game/watching YouTube features highly on what they do on the day has them. I dobt think he likes to say no/upset them as its only 1 day a week.

OP posts:
Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:40

@Sandsnake DS is very similar , and used to watch maths/space stuff all the time. He's learnt a lot from YouTube. But not now he's discovered the other stuff.

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AHungryCaterpillar · 09/04/2022 09:42

I’m guessing it’s Roblox?

Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:47

Nooo nothing near so interesting. It's like a modern day version of the old Nokia snake game. Addictive to play but really boring to watch.

OP posts:
AHungryCaterpillar · 09/04/2022 09:49

Oh good! Keep them away from that for as long as possible. I wish mine never discovered it.

Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 09:52

I've read sone pretty bad things about Roblox so was hoping to avoid, I think minecraft is ok though? And could possibly be plated on the laptop . I'd rather he played that than watch YouTube I think!

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aSofaNearYou · 09/04/2022 09:54

I can't stand the shite kids watch on YouTube so yes I would steer him away from it.

ofwarren · 09/04/2022 09:57

Slither.io?
It's a really tame game and I would definitely let a child of that age play it. Much better than roblox.

AHungryCaterpillar · 09/04/2022 10:15

Yes Minecraft is good.

Original poster
ImFree2doasiwant · 09/04/2022 10:40

@ofwarren that's not the problem he cant play it because it won't work on the kindle we have. It's the endless watching of YouTube.

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ThisUserIsNamed · 09/04/2022 12:57

Honestly I wouldn't allow any primary aged child loose on YouTube.
There's weird and disturbing stuff on YouTube and it finds you.
Supervised for watching documentaries etc only.

KeyWorker · 09/04/2022 21:03

I won’t allow my DD aged 7 on YouTube and she’s never really asked to. She is aware that some children at school do but can’t explain or doesn’t know what they watch. She also rarely plays on the iPad and when she does it’s CBBC website/app or a maths app recommended by school. There is 0 chance I’d allow her to play Minecraft or Robblox ect. They are not suitable for developing brains.

Silverbirch2 · 09/04/2022 22:22

@keyworker snap. My ds 6 went through a phase of wanting a switch to play minecraft etc. Hes over it now and dd 8 not interested in that shite!

Ululavit · 09/04/2022 22:34

I don’t allow YouTube at all on my kids devices at primary age, so if they want something they have to ask me and watch it with me on my phone. I worry about the unpleasant content on there and that there aren’t any parental controls that can block it.

Barrawarra · 09/04/2022 22:36

Another one who does not allow YouTube for DC aged 6 and 3, unless for specific and supervised things. Agree with what others have said about the algorithms and also it’s the only place they see adverts, I think they are terrible for their wee brains.

N4ish · 09/04/2022 22:42

I don’t allow my primary age children to watch anything on You Tube. Their tablets have Netflix (kids profile), CBBC and some games, that’s it. But I agree it’s a tricky situation for you if they’re allowed You Tube at their dad’s house.