YouTube has officially rolled out a major suite of parental control updates aimed at protecting teenage users from addictive digital habits. In a move described as an “industry-first,” the platform is introducing a Shorts Feed Limit that allows parents to directly manage—and even completely block—access to the platform’s short-form video feed to encourage more mindful viewing.

The cornerstone of the update is a new set of controls for supervised teen accounts that tackle the growing concern over “doom-scrolling.” Parents can now set a dedicated timer for YouTube Shorts, with durations ranging from two hours down to zero minutes. Setting the timer to zero effectively pauses the Shorts feed entirely, allowing families to eliminate distractions during school hours or homework sessions.

This flexibility is designed to help teens become more intentional with their screen time. For example, a parent could disable Shorts during the week but open a 60-minute window during a weekend road trip. This update builds on YouTube’s “supervised experiences” for users aged 13–17, which bridge the gap between the restricted YouTube Kids app and the full, open version of the platform.

YouTube is also expanding its digital wellbeing dashboard. While “Take a Break” and “Bedtime” reminders are already turned on by default for users under 18, parents can now customize these alerts to better fit their child’s specific routine. These tools are intended to nudge teens toward healthier sleep hygiene without completely disconnecting them from their favorite creators.

To support this transition, YouTube is launching an updated account setup experience. The new flow makes it easier for parents to create kid-friendly accounts and switch between profiles on shared family devices with just a few taps. This ensures that every family member receives age-appropriate recommendations without the adult’s history affecting the child’s feed.

Beyond just limiting time, YouTube is working to improve what teens see. The company has unveiled a new blueprint for high-quality teen content, developed in partnership with the YouTube Youth Advisory Committee and leading experts from:

• UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers
• The American Psychological Association (APA)
• The Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital

This framework establishes clear principles for identifying enriching, educational, and age-appropriate material. These principles directly inform YouTube’s recommendation algorithm, which will now more frequently surface content from trusted educational sources like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and TED-Ed.

Simultaneously, the platform is doubling down on its efforts to reduce “unhealthy content loops,” such as videos that promote unrealistic body standards or glorify risky behaviors. By prioritizing “high-quality” markers, YouTube aims to turn the platform into a safer space for curiosity and skill-building.

Key Highlights:

• Shorts Feed Limit: Parents can now set a timer for YouTube Shorts, including a “zero” setting to completely disable the feed during study or bedtime.
• Custom Reminders: Families can now personalize “Bedtime” and “Take a Break” reminders specifically for supervised teen accounts.
• Expert Collaboration: A new “high-quality content” blueprint has been developed with the APA and UCLA to boost educational recommendations from channels like Khan Academy.
• Simpler Management: An updated sign-up and account-switching experience allows families to manage multiple age-specific profiles on a single device more efficiently.