“My child doesn’t have social media… they only watch YouTube.”
I hear this from parents all the time.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: YouTube is social media.
And we need to stop reassuring ourselves that it must be harmless because “everyone else allows it.” It isn’t harmless. Behind every video is an algorithm designed to capture your child’s attention, and keep them watching for as long as possible.
The consequences are becoming impossible to ignore.
- Shorter attention spans, reduced ability to concentrate, and increased hyperactivity.
- Short-form, rapid-fire videos are fragmenting developing minds.
- MRI studies now show measurable changes in the neural pathways of children who consume large amounts of this content.
- And research published this week reports an ‘astronomical’ rise in speech and developmental delays in under-5s.
Yes, YouTube contains brilliant educational content. But let’s be honest: that’s not what most children are watching.
None of this is about blame, it’s about awareness. Because once we know better, we can do better.
