How to Block the YouTube Shows Invading Netflix And Other Streamers

You'll have options with Netflix and Amazon Prime, but fewer options with others.

Based on the reaction to last week’s post, a lot of parents are also annoyed at the amount of YouTube content making its way onto platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others. Even for families that allow their kids to watch YouTube, there is a time and place, and its appearance on non-YouTube platforms is an issue.

Fortunately, for some of the platforms, there are solutions. You can block the content.

It is not, however, as simple as saying “please block anything that came from YouTube.” This requires a pro-active approach—and it won’t block future content.

But it’s a start!

Here’s your guide on how to do it…well, if your platform will let you.

(I’m looking at you, Disney!)

By the way: If there ever was a time to share Crossplay with other parents and caregivers in your life, this is probably it! Please think about sharing this one!

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How to Block Shows on Netflix

1. Log into www.netflix.com

2. Click on a profile in the upper right corner and choose “manage profiles”

   

3. Click on “adjust parental controls” and choose your child’s profile

4. Under “title restrictions,” search for the shows you would like to block

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How to Block Shows on Disney+

You can’t. There is no option to selectively block shows on Disney+.

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How to Block Shows on Amazon Prime

1. Log into www.primevideo.com

2. Click the “your account” icon in the upper right corner and choose a kid’s profile

3. Hover over the show you’d like to block and click the stop sign icon

Note: This only blocks each season of a show. You’ll have to block additional seasons.

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How to Block Shows on Hulu

You can’t. There is no option to selectively block shows on Hulu.

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How to Block Shows on HBO Max

You can’t. There is no option to selectively block shows on HBO Max.

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I want to be clear: I do not think YouTube is evil! YouTube is allowed in our house! My kids watch YouTub and YouTube Kids! We watch normal YouTube all the time! I’m not trying to block them from the modern equivalent of TV for their generation!

But not all content is made equal.

The distinction I’m drawing here is expectations of about when, where, and why specific types of YouTube content is watched. There is a huge difference between Salish Matters and, say, Mark Rober. As parents, we’re all making it up as we go along—much like the streaming platforms driving this. Your house rules may be different.

Godspeed. And if you so choose, happy blocking.

Have a story idea? Want to share a tip? Got a funny parenting story? Drop Patrick an email.

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Also:

• Most of these YouTube partnerships come with promises of “original” content down the line, like Mr. Beast’s reality show. I’m curious what becomes of those.

• I said I wouldn’t block Salish Matters on Netflix, but I did. I don’t like lying to my kids, but I’m just going to pretend Netlix removed the series from the service.

• If they push back, I will explain my position to them. I’m willing to allow Salish back, but broadly, those types of YouTube videos are largely going to be iPad-only.