How To Make YouTube Safer For Kids In 2026 (Supervised Account)

Are you stuck between banning YouTube completely or handing your tween an unlocked phone and hoping for the best? There is a better way. In this video, I'll show you how to set up a Google Supervised Account—a "digital learner's permit" that bridges the gap between YouTube Kids and the full platform. Many parents believe that letting their child browse in "Guest Mode" without a login is safer because it's anonymous. This is a massive misconception. Guest mode is often the least safe way to watch, leaving them exposed to unpredictable viral content with no watch history for you to verify. I’ll walk you through the entire setup process using Google Family Link, explain the three "hidden" content tiers for different ages, and show you the powerful tools that give you peace of mind without starting a war at home. 👉 Get started with Google Family Link here: https://families.google/familylink/ In this video, I cover: 0:00 The "Tween Gap": Why banning doesn't work. 0:35 The "Guest Mode" Myth: Why logging in is actually safer. 1:00 Step 1: The essential foundation (Setting up the right account). 3:11 Step 2: Explaining the 3 Supervised Content Tiers (Explore, Explore More, Most of YouTube). 6:55 Trust, but Verify: How to use Watch History for connection, not punishment. 7:36 The Reality Check: Is this system perfect? (Spoiler: No, but it's still the best option). 8:10 Family Link on mobile 9:23 Conclusion: Building a safe digital driver.