YouTube

B-↑ Improving

Last updated: March 2026

Scoring Categories

C+

Age Verification

Google account age verification. Some ID checks for restricted content.

DM Restrictions

No direct messaging system. Comments can be disabled per-video.

B-

Abuse Response Time

Automated detection with human review. Improving steadily.

B+

Parental Controls

YouTube Kids app and supervised accounts offer strong filtering.

B-

Offender Removal

Channels removed with linked account bans. Appeals process exists.

Comment section contact

Predators leave comments on children's videos with links to external messaging platforms.

Recommendation manipulation

Groomers create child-appealing content designed to surface in recommendation algorithms and attract young viewers.

Live chat exploitation

During live streams, predators use the real-time chat to contact young creators and request personal information.

1
Set up a supervised Google Account for your child through Family Link.
2
Use YouTube Kids for children under 13 with age-appropriate content filtering.
3
Disable comments on your child's uploaded videos via YouTube Studio.
4
Turn off autoplay and set content restrictions in Restricted Mode.

If you've witnessed predatory behavior or a safety issue on YouTube, submit a report below. All reports are reviewed by our research team.

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