YouTube is rolling out a suite of new features designed to give parents more control over their teenagers’ viewing habits, including an industry-first option to entirely limit time spent watching Shorts.

The updates, announced in a press release, focus on providing “built-in protections” for younger audiences. The platform stated its belief in “protecting kids in the digital world, not from the digital world.”

A key new control allows parents to set timers for how long teens on supervised accounts can scroll through YouTube’s short-form video feed. Significantly, the company confirmed that “soon, parents will see the option to set the timer to zero.”

“This is an industry-first feature that puts parents firmly in control of the amount of short-form content their kids watch,” YouTube stated. The platform suggested this offers flexibility, for instance, blocking Shorts during homework time but allowing an hour during a long trip.

Further wellbeing tools include custom “Bedtime” and “Take a Break” reminders for these accounts.

Beyond controls, YouTube is introducing a new “blueprint for high-quality teen content.” Developed with a Youth Advisory Committee and academic partners like UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers, these principles will guide creators and influence the platform’s recommendation system to promote “more enriching” content from sources like Khan Academy and TED-Ed.

Finally, the sign-up process for new child accounts is being simplified. The update will let parents “create a new kid account and easily switch between accounts in the mobile app depending on who’s watching with just a few taps.”

YouTube says it is “committed to growing alongside the families who choose to watch YouTube, ensuring that YouTube remains a safe and inspiring space for the next generation to explore.”