YouTube to launch new app for children

YouTube has announced that it will be launching a new app for children, in an effort to protect younger users from explicit content, according to reports.

YouTube Kids will ensure that children have a more “age-appropriate experience,” offering a simple-to-use interface alongside unique features such as a parent-controller timer that shuts down the app after a set amount of time.

If a child types in a word such as ‘sex’, the screen will pop up with a “Try something else” message. Parents will also be able to control the app’s settings through a password, which, after a set amount of time, will lock the app.

YouTube’s Shimrit Ben-Yair told USA Today that the images will be bigger than usual, and, since most younger children cannot type, they will be able to search with voice.

The developments come as parents were increasingly asking YouTube to make the video platform a “better place” for children.

Over the year, YouTube has seen 50% growth in viewing time on the platform, with family entertainment channel viewing up 200%.