Parent Guides

Practical guides to help you make informed decisions about your children's YouTube viewing.

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Getting Started

Your First Steps

  1. Create an Account:

    Register with your email to unlock voting and personalized features. Verify your email to get 3x voting weight.

  2. Browse Channels:

    Use the Browse page to explore rated channels. Filter by age, category, or safety score to find appropriate content.

  3. Review Ratings:

    Each channel shows both AI assessment and community consensus. Pay attention to both scores and any disagreements.

  4. Vote on Channels:

    If you've watched a channel with your children, share your experience by voting. Your input helps other parents.

  5. Stay Involved:

    Check your dashboard regularly for new channel recommendations based on your preferences.

Pro Tip: Start by rating channels your children already watch. This helps you understand the system and contributes valuable data.

Understanding Ratings

The Two-Score System

AI Score

What it is: Google Gemini's assessment using the FamilyITGuy methodology

Strengths:

  • Consistent, objective analysis
  • Trained on 30+ reference channels
  • Immediate results for new channels

Limitations: May miss cultural nuances or recent content changes

Community Score

What it is: Weighted average of parent votes

Strengths:

  • Real parent experiences
  • Catches subtle issues
  • Reflects cultural context

Limitations: Requires multiple votes to be reliable

Score Interpretation
Score Range Safety Level Recommendation
80-100 Excellent Generally safe for target age group
60-79 Good Mostly appropriate, preview first
40-59 Moderate Watch together, discuss content
0-39 Concerning Not recommended, find alternatives
Important: If AI and Community scores differ significantly (>20 points), investigate why. Read vote comments and preview the content yourself.

Age-Specific Guidelines

What to Look For:
  • Slow-paced, calming content (FamilyITGuy 1-3)
  • Clear, simple language
  • Repetitive, educational themes
  • Positive role models
  • Short video length (5-10 minutes max)
Red Flags:
  • Fast editing or rapid scene changes
  • Loud, jarring sounds
  • Complex narratives
  • Any violence or conflict
Recommended Approach:

Always co-view at this age. Limit screen time to 30 minutes per day. Use content as a starting point for real-world activities.

What to Look For:
  • Educational content with clear learning goals
  • Moderate pacing (FamilyITGuy 3-5)
  • Age-appropriate humor
  • Problem-solving themes
  • Video length 10-20 minutes
Red Flags:
  • Scary or intense imagery
  • Mean-spirited humor
  • Consumerism/excessive advertising
  • Overstimulation (FamilyITGuy 7+)
Recommended Approach:

Frequent check-ins. Co-view new content, discuss what they're watching. Set clear viewing schedules (e.g., 1 hour after homework).

What to Look For:
  • STEM/creative content
  • Moderate excitement (FamilyITGuy 4-6)
  • Positive social messaging
  • Age-appropriate challenges
  • Factual accuracy
Red Flags:
  • Inappropriate language/innuendo
  • Glorification of rule-breaking
  • Misleading "educational" content
  • Excessive drama/conflict
Recommended Approach:

Guided independence. Review their subscriptions monthly. Discuss media literacy and critical thinking. Encourage creation over consumption.

What to Look For:
  • Educational depth and complexity
  • Positive peer relationships
  • Diverse perspectives
  • Skill-building content
  • Thoughtful entertainment (FamilyITGuy 5-7)
Red Flags:
  • Toxic social dynamics
  • Dangerous challenges/pranks
  • Inappropriate relationships
  • Normalized risky behavior
Recommended Approach:

Open dialogue. Respect their developing independence while maintaining awareness. Discuss content regularly without judgment. Focus on values over rules.

Red Flags to Watch For

Content Red Flags
  • Inappropriate language or innuendo
  • Violence or scary imagery
  • Sexualized content or themes
  • Drug/alcohol references
  • Discrimination or stereotyping
  • Dangerous stunts without warnings
  • Misleading thumbnails (clickbait)
Behavioral Red Flags
  • Mean-spirited humor or bullying
  • Disrespectful attitudes toward adults
  • Materialistic messaging
  • Unrealistic beauty standards
  • Encouragement of secretive behavior
  • Glorification of rule-breaking
  • Toxic competition or rivalry
Technical Red Flags
  • Rapid editing (overstimulation)
  • Loud, jarring audio
  • Flashing lights (seizure risk)
  • Excessive ads or product placement
  • Autoplay to inappropriate content
  • Requests for personal information
  • Links to external sites
Signs Your Child Needs Help
  • Hiding what they're watching
  • Nightmares or anxiety after viewing
  • Imitating inappropriate behavior
  • Asking to watch "just one more"
  • Tantrums when screen time ends
  • Declining other activities
  • Changes in mood or behavior

Managing Screen Time

Evidence-Based Recommendations

Age Group Daily Limit Best Practices
Under 2 None (except video calls) Focus on real-world interaction
2-5 years 1 hour max Co-view, high-quality content only
6-12 years 1-2 hours Set clear schedules, no screens during meals
13+ years 2-3 hours Self-regulation skills, open communication
Tips for Success:
  1. Create a Media Plan: Set specific times for screen use (e.g., after homework, before dinner)
  2. Use Timers: Visual timers help kids understand when screen time ends
  3. Model Good Behavior: Limit your own screen use around children
  4. Screen-Free Zones: Bedrooms, dining table, and cars should be device-free
  5. Balance Activities: Ensure time for outdoor play, reading, and family interaction
  6. Quality Over Quantity: 30 minutes of educational content beats 2 hours of mindless viewing

How to Vote Effectively

Making Your Vote Count

Before Voting:
  • Watch Multiple Videos: View at least 3-5 videos from the channel, including recent uploads
  • Consider Your Child's Reaction: Were they engaged? Overstimulated? Educational value?
  • Read Existing Votes: See what other parents have noticed
  • Check Channel Evolution: Has content changed recently?
When Rating:

Use the FamilyITGuy Scale:

  • 1-2: Bob Ross calm - peaceful, slow-paced
  • 3-4: Low stimulation - gentle, educational
  • 5-6: Moderate - balanced energy
  • 7-8: High energy - fast-paced, exciting
  • 9-10: Avoid - overstimulating, overwhelming
Adding Comments:

Good comments are specific and helpful:

✓ Helpful Comment

"My 5-year-old loves the science experiments, but the loud intro music startles him. Content is educational but pacing is fast for younger kids. Better for ages 7+."

✗ Unhelpful Comment

"My kid likes it."

Co-Viewing Best Practices

Watching Together

Co-viewing transforms passive consumption into active learning. Here's how to do it effectively:

During Viewing:
  • Ask Questions: "What do you think will happen next?" "Why did they do that?"
  • Relate to Real Life: Connect content to your child's experiences
  • Pause for Discussion: Don't feel obligated to watch straight through
  • Point Out Values: Highlight positive behaviors and choices
After Viewing:
  • Recap Together: "What was your favorite part?"
  • Extend Learning: Try activities related to the content
  • Address Concerns: Clarify any confusing or troubling parts
  • Evaluate Together: "Should we watch more from this channel?"
Benefits of Co-Viewing:
  • Builds media literacy skills
  • Strengthens parent-child bond
  • Allows teachable moments
  • Helps you understand their interests
  • Reduces passive consumption

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solution:

  • This is normal for young children (ages 2-5)
  • Gradually introduce similar but varied content
  • Create a "watch list" together with alternatives
  • Use the platform to find channels with similar themes but different styles
  • Don't force variety - repetition aids learning at young ages

Solution:

  • Give 5-minute and 2-minute warnings
  • Use visual timers so children can see time remaining
  • End on a natural break (end of episode)
  • Have a transition activity ready (e.g., snack, outdoor play)
  • Stay consistent - giving in rewards tantrums
  • Consider if content is too stimulating (FamilyITGuy 7+)

Solution:

  • No rating system is perfect - always preview new content
  • Vote to update the community rating
  • Report specific videos/issues through the platform
  • Remember: YouTube content can change over time
  • Use YouTube's restricted mode as an additional filter
  • Create curated playlists of pre-approved videos

Solution:

  • Disable YouTube's autoplay feature
  • Use YouTube Kids app which has better autoplay filtering
  • Create supervised playlists instead of allowing free browsing
  • Set up parental controls on devices
  • Teach children to ask before clicking on new videos

Need More Help?

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