In the digital age, parents often turn to platforms like YouTube for engaging and educational content for their children. However, the recent experience of exploring on-demand videos for my own baby revealed a darker side to this seemingly innocent endeavour.

Unsettling Reality of Unsupervised YouTube Viewing

Opening the YouTube app across multiple screens with the intention of finding suitable content for my baby uncovered a disconcerting reality. In the midst of child-friendly videos, unsuitable ads began infiltrating the viewing experience. YouTube’s current ad functionality, presenting 2-5 minute ads with a skip option after 5 or 20 seconds, becomes particularly troublesome when screens are inadvertently left open in front of children. This concern is not unique to my experience; many parents who rely on YouTube for informative children’s content have encountered similar issues.

Fashion and Makeup Ads in Child-Centric Spaces

A more alarming aspect emerged when fashion-related ads started infiltrating children’s videos. These ads often feature women in revealing dresses promoting makeup products or current clothing trends. The implications are unsettling, as young girls, as little as 8-10 years old, are inadvertently exposed to these messages. The consequences are evident, with children emulating adult behaviours, spending excessive mirror time to replicate what they see in these ads.

Inappropriate Content in Music Videos Ads

Further exacerbating the issue is the infiltration of inappropriate content in music videos. Unusual dance steps, revealing attire, and adult-oriented language within songs have a lasting impact on impressionable young minds. The potential long-term effects on children’s mental growth are a cause for concern.

The Solution Within Reach: YouTube Kids

While these challenges persist, a viable solution lies within YouTube’s arsenal—the YouTube Kids app. This dedicated platform offers better control and a safer environment for children’s content. However, this solution remains inconspicuous and underutilized when parents seek informative videos for their children. Most parents are unaware of YouTube Kids, and YouTube does not promptly emphasize its availability when children’s videos are playing on their platform.

Call for Dedicated Apps and Government Intervention

I advocate for streaming platforms, including YouTube, to implement dedicated apps explicitly designed for children. When parents search for informative videos, platforms should prominently highlight the availability of child-friendly apps with enhanced safeguards.

Moreover, I urge governmental authorities to address this issue with the utmost seriousness. The impact on the mental growth of children in India is substantial, and regulatory intervention is necessary to ensure the protection and well-being of our youngest digital citizens.

My View: In navigating the digital landscape, let us collectively prioritize the mental growth and safety of our children, fostering an environment that encourages learning without compromising their innocence. I implore government authorities to treat this matter with utmost urgency; Being well-versed in technology, I understand the repercussions it carries, and in the era of evolving information technology, it becomes imperative to establish a secure environment for the mental development of children in new Bharat, necessitating regulatory intervention to safeguard the well-being of our youngest digital citizens.

#AskDushyant

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