Firstly, it's crucial to understand that blocking videos on YouTube involves two primary strategies: blocking individual videos or blocking channels entirely. Both methods are effective in preventing unwanted content from appearing on your feed.
To block an individual video, navigate to the video you wish to block and click on the "More" button represented by three horizontal dots beneath the video player. From there, select "Report". You will then be prompted to explain why you're reporting this video; choices include violent or repugnant content, hateful or abusive behavior among others. Understandably, this method does not guarantee immediate results as YouTube needs time to review your report before taking action.
For more immediate results, consider blocking the entire channel that hosts the unwanted video. To do this, visit the channel page and click on "About". On this page you'll find a flag icon; clicking it reveals an option saying "Block User". Once blocked, all content from that channel becomes inaccessible unless unblocked manually.
While these steps effectively limit exposure to objectionable material for yourself or your dependents using your account they aren't foolproof when multiple accounts are used across different devices.
This is where Google’s parental control software Family Link comes into play for those under 13 years old or whatever age parents choose in their country. It allows parents to manage their child's access to content online including YouTube Kids app which offers curated kid-friendly content.
However what if there are still certain videos within YouTube Kids that parents deem unsuitable? Google’s solution is the ability to block videos or channels. Parents can simply tap the three dots below a video or channel and select "Block". A prompt will ask for confirmation, then that particular content will be blocked on all devices signed into that child's account.
In conclusion, while YouTube offers an expansive universe of videos, not all may be suitable for every viewer. By understanding how to report videos, block channels or utilize Google's Family Link software, users can create a more controlled viewing environment. It empowers users to curate their own online experience and protect their loved ones from inappropriate content.
Remember though, technology solutions are just one piece of the puzzle; open communication about internet safety standards remains paramount in nurturing responsible digital citizens.
Content Filtering: Filtering and Managing Content on YouTube