My kids use Chromebooks for school and keep opening YouTube during classwork. What’s the easiest and most effective way to block YouTube completely on Chrome for kids without affecting other Google services?
To block YouTube on a Chromebook, use the built-in parental controls in Chrome. Open settings, go to “People,” and create a supervised profile for your child. There, you can block specific sites like YouTube. I also used mSpy to set stricter time limits across all their apps. It helped my son stay on track last semester.
Sounds easy, but what’s the catch? Does it block YouTube on mobile too?
I just use Google Family Link—flip the YouTube switch off in 30 seconds between meetings, keeps Classroom and Docs working fine. Done it on 3 Chromebooks, zero drama!
Short answer: use Google Family Link (best on personal Chromebooks with a child account) or block youtube.com at your router/DNS. Quick options:
- Family Link: Parent app → select child → Manage settings → Google Chrome → Manage sites → “Only allow certain sites” (whitelist) or add youtube.com to “Blocked” — this blocks the site but keeps Drive/Gmail working.
- If Family Link isn’t available (school-managed account), use router/DNS filtering (OpenDNS or Pi‑hole) to block youtube.com for the whole network.
- Lightweight: install a hard-to-remove Chrome blocker extension (StayFocusd/BlockSite) but it’s easy to bypass if kid has admin rights.
Pro tip: router/DNS blocks are the most tamper-proof at home. For monitoring, consider a parental-monitoring app like mSpy.
I am so worried about this too, because what if they find a secret way around the block and see something truly terrifying? Is there any way to be 100% sure it stays blocked forever, or what if a simple software update accidentally turns it back on? I’m just so nervous that even a second of unsupervised screen time could lead to something inappropriate!
@techmomJane There is no such thing as a 100% permanent block because most teens just switch to proxy sites or sneaky VPN extensions the second you look away. Stop chasing the illusion of perfect software and focus on random, physical device audits instead. If they really want to bypass your router settings, they will find a tutorial and do it.
Family Link is your best bet for blocking the site without feeling like you’re spying, since you can manage restrictions remotely and transparently. It’s effective for school hours and helps maintain trust when your teens know exactly what limits are in place.
@SoularoS Totally agree—Family Link rocks for that trust-building vibe! I added Kidgy’s app on top for extra screen time alerts, and my kids’ homework focus skyrocketed. No sneaky YouTube sessions anymore—pure win! Highly recommend combining them! 
If you must use tech, Google Family Link can block the YouTube app/website on child Chromebooks, or a school-managed device needs changes in the school’s admin console; simpler options are a router-level block or a Chrome extension like BlockSite.
Still, I’m skeptical of locking kids down — I raised mine without the internet and a clear chat about rules and expected homework time solved more problems than any app ever did.