For many parents, YouTube Kids has become the modern-day babysitter — colourful, convenient and supposedly child-safe. But experts are sounding the alarm: the platform’s filters are not foolproof, and disturbing content is slipping through at an alarming rate.

Clinical psychologist and co-founder of Clicked, Pam Tudin Buchalter, says the problem is systemic. Platforms are engineered for engagement and profit — not protection. With the rapid rise of AI-generated videos, inappropriate content can now be produced and uploaded in minutes, often masquerading as beloved children’s characters.

In one test, searching something as innocent as “cute cat” quickly led to a graphic clip depicting cruelty. It took seconds. That’s how fast the algorithm can pivot from playful to disturbing — especially when shock value keeps viewers watching.

For Joburg mom Claire from Parkview, the warning became painfully real. Trusting the “safe” label, she left her six-year-old watching what appeared to be a familiar cartoon. Instead, the episode contained themes of self-harm. It had bypassed every safeguard and landed directly in her lounge — during what she thought was a harmless 20-minute window to prepare dinner.

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Experts caution that children often don’t volunteer when they’ve seen something frightening. Shame, confusion or fear can keep them silent.

The advice? Don’t rely on default settings. Disable search. Turn off autoplay. Pre-select and approve content. Watch alongside younger children wherever possible.

And most importantly — talk.

In the digital age, the most powerful parental control isn’t an algorithm. It’s an engaged, informed adult.

References:

• The Guardian: How disturbing videos are slipping through YouTube Kids filters

• BBC News: YouTube Kids inappropriate content concerns

• Common Sense Media: Is YouTube Kids really safe?

• Clicked (South Africa): Digital wellness and online safety resources