YouTube can feel like a mixed blessing for parents. While it’s a treasure trove of makeup tutorials and nostalgic TV clips for adults, it often turns into an unending cycle of questionable content for kids. My children only get access to YouTube after they’ve truly earned it, or when I’m in dire need of a distraction. Unfortunately, much of what they gravitate towards is the absolute worst. Here are eight of the most frustrating types of kids’ content I’ve encountered:
-
Adults Playing with Toys
This genre makes me cringe. Adult figures unbox and play with kids’ toys, but they do so in an exaggerated, high-pitched manner reminiscent of a hyperactive teenager. The background music is relentless, and the constant exclamations of “Oh my god! This is so cool!” are enough to drive any parent up the wall. This content feels more like a commercial than entertainment, and honestly, it should be regulated. -
Low-Quality Educational Videos
At first glance, a video featuring animated letters singing the Alphabet Song seems harmless. But upon watching, you quickly realize it’s a poorly made Flash animation with someone singing into a laptop mic. Your toddler might start singing “Twinkle, Twinkle” with an unexpected twist, like “…Click the button to subscribe!” It’s not educational; it’s misleading. -
The Infamous Egg Videos
Somehow, every child ends up on a rabbit hole of videos showcasing hollow chocolate eggs filled with cheap toys. The slow unwrapping process builds unnecessary suspense that leads to relentless requests for these European treats. Spoiler alert: they’re not even available in your local store! -
Inappropriate Autoplay Videos
You might think you found a classic kids’ show, only to have it automatically segue into a pop music video with inappropriate content. One moment, you’re watching a bootleg of a beloved educational program, and the next, it’s an awkward transition to a music video that’s definitely not for kids. Who curates these playlists? It’s a recipe for disaster. -
Racist Classic Cartoons
Nostalgia can be a trap when it comes to classic cartoons. Shows like Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry often contain outdated and offensive depictions that can be shocking upon revisiting as an adult. These episodes have been criticized enough for platforms like Amazon to add disclaimers, so it’s best to keep these off the viewing list. -
Dubbed Cartoons
Finding a free episode of a beloved kids’ show can feel like striking gold, but often what you find is a ridiculous dub. I once overheard a voice actor dubbing over a character, calling them a “whiny little brat.” It’s funny, but it just adds fuel to the fire in the ongoing battle against inappropriate language. -
Fake Movie Content
The internet is littered with fake movie uploads that lead to endless disappointment for kids. Imagine their excitement when they think they’re about to watch Frozen, only to find a still image with a link that leads to a sketchy site. You might as well invest in a new computer every week with the viruses that this content invites. -
Bizarre Nonsense Videos
These videos, featuring characters like an orange with a human face, are utterly nonsensical. They make me question the sanity of children’s entertainment. If someone is earning a living by telling bad jokes and singing annoying songs as fruit, they should probably face some kind of scrutiny. This content feels downright unsafe.
While I’m not going to suggest you monitor your child’s every click, it might be wise to block anything that isn’t educational or age-appropriate right from the start. If you’re interested in safe options, check out our guide on home insemination kits or read about advocating for paid paternity leave for more insights. For further information, resources on female infertility can be found here.
Summary:
YouTube can be a double-edged sword for parents, with much of the content geared towards children being poorly made, misleading, or downright inappropriate. From adults playing with toys in an overly enthusiastic manner to fake movie uploads and bizarre nonsense, it’s crucial for parents to be vigilant about what their kids are watching. Blocking inappropriate content and seeking out educational videos can help create a safer viewing experience.