kids using gadgets
IN PHOTO. Two children use the iPad Mini at the Apple Store during Black Friday in San Francisco, California, November 23, 2012 Reuters/ Stephen Lam

There are plenty of items on YouTube that you would not want your kids to see when they are fiddling with your iPhone or Android phone. It is important to set up YouTube Parental Controls to manage the content that your children can safely view. Here are the steps on how to set up the restrictions on the current smartphone you are using.

When Using an iPhone

1. First launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap on “General”, then tap on “Restrictions”. Next, tap on “Enable Restrictions.”

3. Type a password so only you can enable or disable the restrictions whenever necessary. The password should ideally be different from the passcode you are using on Lock screen.

4. In the “Allow” section, turn off apps that you do not wish to have your kids access without your consent. The section is particularly for built-in apps and not for third-party apps.

5. Scroll down to adjust the various aspects of iOS from restricting Game Center use so you can filter out specific websites or only allow a few, such as YouTube.

When Using an Android Phone

1. To set up YouTube Parental Controls on your Android phone, start by launching Google Play. Search for Mobicip. Choose and install the Safe Browser app.

2. Once you have successfully installed the app, you will find the icon on your apps screen.

3. Launch the Safe Browser. If you do not have an account yet, choose “Create New Account” then register.

4. After your account is created, you may enable the Safe Browser app.

5. Select the filtering profile you wish to have on your Android phone.

6. You may also set a 4-digit passcode to authenticate. You can lock and unlock apps like Facebook and set other restrictions, instead of setting the username and password.

7. You will find the browser open up in the end. You may then enter the URL you wish to visit.

These simple steps will protect your children from content on YouTube that may not be suitable for their age. You may use other filtering apps to download.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to v.doctor@ibtimes.com.au