“Mom, I want to start my own YouTube channel!” If you’ve heard these words, you may be wondering what this means, why your child wants one, and whether or not you should allow it. Here’s the lowdown.
What Is a YouTube Channel & How Does It Work?
A YouTube channel allows users to have an online public presence for anyone who wants to watch. People use their YouTube accounts to start their own free channels to upload videos, make playlists and comment on just about anything.
Why Does My Kid Want to Start a YouTube Channel?
Kids have different reasons for wanting to start a YouTube channel. Some may be looking for fame while others think having their own YouTube channel is a great way to share ideas or meet new online friends from around the world.
Although YouTube prohibits kids under 13 from having their own account, many kids have risen to stardom with their own channels through their parents’ accounts. Kid influencers have shown they’re a force to be reckoned with, not only with the number of subscribers they have, but also with their yearly income.
Take “Ryan Toys Review,” which has more than nine million subscribers, and helped seven-year-old Ryan Kaji make 22 million dollars in 2018 alone. Some kids watch channels like this and want to recreate them, but not every child who has their own YouTube channel has this type of success.
Photo: YouTube.com
Is it a Good Idea for My Child to Have Their Own YouTube Channel?
Common Sense Media advises parents that if their child is using their account, the parents should be doing all video uploading. This gives parents control of what’s being made public. There’s also an option to make videos private so only the people you invite to see your videos have access.
It’s also suggested you talk to your kids about the content. Ask what types of things they want to feature. This is also the time when you should be talking about what’s appropriate and inappropriate to post online. If you don’t like the direction your child is heading, you may want to reconsider letting them have a channel.
If your child is over 13 and decides to start their own YouTube channel with your permission, you can become a subscriber, as well as monitor content and comments behind the scenes.
Common Sense Media also suggests doing a beta launch where you let a select group of friends and family see the channel. They can provide feedback and help make tweaks to the channel to avoid any unnecessary criticism and comments.
It’s important to teach your teens to handle harsh feedback. We all know people can be brutal when they comment online. Knowing how to deal with harsh feedback is vital.
If you decide it’s ok for your child to have a YouTube Channel, have an open conversation before your kids start recording and uploading their content to prevent any potential issues.
My Kid Wants to Start a Youtube Channel — Sources
Lifewire.com
Common Sense Media