Due to the success of “Safe, Kid-Friendly Alternatives to Google, Youtube, and Beyond”, we decided to dig deeper. Below you’ll find a variety of safe, kid-friendly video streaming resources.
Safe Youtube
Take any link from YouTube and SafeYoutube.net will generate a version sans distracting/offensive comments. It also removes the related videos sidebar which can be a threat in itself – a recent study found that on average, a child on Youtube is only three clicks away from inappropriate content. Teachers can use this resource to share links with their class without fear of unwanted surprises.
Rebecca Black’s notorious music video became a YouTube sensation after its 2011 release.
Notice the mean-spirited comments left by YouTube account holders.
With Safe YouTube, both the comments and suggested videos sidebar are removed. Only the video itself remains.
Safe Video Search
Safe Video Search redirects to KidzTube which provides “Handpicked Educator Reviewed Videos” in a Youtube-style interface. The homepage includes featured learning videos as well as “Random Videos” purely for entertainment. This is a helpful resource for both teachers and students in finding educational content and tutorial videos. It functions as a safe search resource, where students will only receive appropriate results.
Kideos is another site devoted to providing age-appropriate video content. For a variety of other safe search alternatives, see this article.
YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a free app designed by Google for younger audiences. The intent is for children to be able to explore and discover without the risk of unsavory content. Admins can set up more specific controls, or turn off the search function in settings – regardless, the app will still automatically recommend videos. They have a parent guide on their support page.
Disney Video
Disney Video hosts a collection of videos pertaining to their latest movies, short films, and TV shows. Their YouTube tab pulls up Disney videos from official entertainment channels only, and does not redirect to the YouTube site.
YouTube Education
Lastly, there are actually YouTube channels devoted to quality content. Youtube EDU provides the most popular educational videos across Youtube. The channel is subdivided into grade levels: Primary & Secondary Education, University, and Lifelong Learning. There are additional channels devoted to particular subject categories.
