Top YouTube Alternatives for Kids
Watching YouTube videos can take you down a rabbit hole. As a child if you are watching unsupervised, you can find yourself in a pretty dangerous spot. YouTube tried to tackle this by launching YouTube Kids. In both web and app versions, YouTube Kids offers fun and educational content for kids aged up to 12. Although YouTube promises a safe environment, inappropriate content does seep through to their attention. A recent study by the nonprofit organization Common Sense found that at least 27 percent of eight years old and younger watch videos targeted at an older audience. These videos usually include violence. There were some ads for junk food, for example.
However, YouTube is not the only app you can use for your kids. Here are the top kid-friendly and safe apps that you can use to keep them entertained with peace of mind.
1. Jellies
Jellies give you complete control over what your child watches. You can create playlists that limit what they see on their iPad 11. You can also restrict videos by topic or by age range. YouTube Kids uses an algorithm to filter our harmful videos. Jellies, on the other hand, has a team of human beings who manually go through all the content available on the app. Jellies are not free – it costs $4.99 a month. However, you have a 30-day trial to see whether you like it.
2. kiddZtube
If this app reminds you of YouTube, then so will the content. KiddZtube targets younger preschool kids and offers video content also available on YouTube. However, the difference is that a team of educators handpick each video, checking it for content. Plus, it's not just a matter of copying and pasting. Educational content such as quizzes, games, or information is added to each video. Your kids can watch music, cartoons, or stories while having fun. KiddZtube offers a 14-day trial period and a monthly subscription of $3.99.
3. Nick Jr.
Nick Jr ranks among the top kids' entertainment channels that offer great content ranging from toddler to high school. It also has its app, Nick Jr., where kids can watch their favorite shows without adverts or external sources. All the content is the same as shown on the television channel, so you know exactly what is being screened. The great thing about this app is that it is entirely free. Some television shows require a subscription to watch the episodes in the app. However, most of the content is free.
4. Netflix
Make the most of your Netflix subscription, if you have one, and create a profile for your child. Netflix offers thousands of movies and even created an entire section targeting kids. Netflix kids offer television shows, films, cartoons, documentaries, and more. There isn't a separate app for kids – you need to set up the parental controls. These include restricting certain content and adding a PIN to access the adults' profiles.
5. Kidoodle.TV
Kidoodle.TV is similar to YouTube Kids. It’s a streaming service with videos targeting kids aged up to 12. You need to sign up and create an account to set up the parental controls, which include monitoring usage, setting time limits, and disabling specific videos. Kidoodle.TV’s monitoring system is made up of parents and educators. Your kids can watch stories, music, and educational and fun videos. The free app also has a premium version that allows you to disable all ads. The monthly subscription is $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year.
Top Kid-Friendly Safety Tips
1. Don’t Leave Them Unattended
Using your iPad Pro 11 to babysit your child is very tempting. However, make an effort and take the time to sit down and watch the content together. Watch what types of content they go for, how they navigate the app, and whether anything inappropriate pops up. Keeping an eye on what your kids watch is one of the best ways to keep them safe. Also, discuss the importance of internet safety and not giving out personal information.
2. Set Up the iPad’s Parental Controls
Take advantage of the iPad’s parental controls. The iPad Pro 11 allows you to set a limit on screen time using a separate passcode. Or you can impose age-related restrictions in apps, books, movies, and television shows across all devices. You can also prevent music playback with explicit content and movies or TV shows with specific ratings. Apps also have ratings that can be configured using content restrictions. The settings can also automatically filter website content, limiting access to adult content in Safari and other apps on your iPad Pro 11. You can also add specific websites to an approved or blocked list or limit access to only approved websites.
3. iPad Case
Although an iPad cover has nothing to do with internet safety, it has everything to do with your iPad Pro 11’s lifespan. Kids aren’t the gentlest of creatures. Your device might slip, fall, or be thrown aside when they are done watching. A good cover will prevent any damage and unexpected repair costs. The best iPad Pro 11 case has to be by Zugu. It is made from TPU plastic with reinforced corners. The Zugu case offers major drop protection and includes an adjustable kickstand with eight angles.