We asked parents how easy they thought it would be for a child to pretend to be older in order to sign up to YouTube, and whether they had to verify their phone number or email address. Based on these answers, YouTube has received a neutral rating for its sign up process.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “A younger child could have access to a parent’s/guardian’s mobile or email account to enable them to create an account.” – Mother of a 16 yr old girl
  
• “It was easy and quick; every step was explained in a way that was very easy to understand.” – Mother of an 18 yr old
  
• “It seems to be very simple and anyone can access it as long as they have access to a mobile.” – Mother of 3 and 8 yr old boys

We asked parents how easy they thought it would be to find ways to report unsuitable content or behaviour, and how to block people from contacting you. Based on these answers, YouTube has received a positive rating for its reporting and blocking process.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “I found the area to block people after a little bit of searching but could not find anywhere to report undesirable content.” – Mother of 6 and 13 yr olds
  
• “If a message comes from a number outside your contacts, WhatsApp tells you and offers a block option.” – Father of 3 and 8 yr old boys
  
• “I’ve never had anyone contact me who I haven’t already given my number to. It’s easy to leave a group or conversation.” – Mother of 10 and 13 yr olds
  

We also asked young people who reviewed YouTube whether they knew how to report and block users:

• 74% said they know how to report on this site
  
• 56% said they know how to block someone on this site
  

Want to know more?

You can find out more information about reporting here.

You can find out more information about blocking here.

We asked parents how easy it was to change the settings so that your profile and account is private, and how easy it is to turn off location settings. Based on these answers, YouTube has received a positive rating for its privacy settings.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “Your location isn't displayed, unless you post where you are via the location tab.” – Father of 17 yr old boys
  
• “As long as you know that settings can be changed then it’s easy to do.” – Mother of a 14 yr old girl
  

We also asked young people who reviewed YouTube whether they knew how to report and block users:

• 67% said they know how to change their privacy settings on this site.
  
• 61% said they know how to change their location settings on this site.
  

Want to know more?

You can find out more information about privacy here.

We asked parents how easy it was to find out whether YouTube has rules or community standards, and how easy it would be for a young person to find information about keeping themselves safe on this platform. Based on these answers, YouTube has received a neutral rating for its safety and support.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “You have to search to find the rules, they aren’t readily accessible.” – Mother of 5 and 9 yr olds
  
• “For my 11 year old son I would have to talk to him about safety on YouTube as he wouldn't actively seek it out.” – Mother of 11, 12 and 16 yr old boys
  

Want to know more?

You can find out more about YouTube's restricted mode here. 

You can find YouTube's parent resources here. 

You can find YouTube's help centre here.