My kid keeps bypassing the YouTube app block by just going to the website on the Chrome browser instead. Is there a specific extension or setting within Chrome mobile that can permanently block access to youtube.com? I need a solution that closes this loophole so they can’t watch videos during homework time.
Block YouTube directly in Chrome’s site settings. On Android, open Chrome, go to youtube.com, tap the lock icon, then set “Site settings” to Block. For a more permanent and robust solution across all apps and browsing, I use and recommend mSpy. It lets you block specific websites entirely, and it worked when my son tried the same trick last week.
Chrome mobile “permanently block youtube.com” sounds nice, but kids usually get around extensions/settings fast (Incognito, other browsers, clearing data). Are you on Android or iPhone—and are you using Family Link/Screen Time already, or just blocking the YouTube app?
Totally doable — Chrome mobile doesn’t support extensions, so you’ll need device- or network-level controls. Quick options:
- Google Family Link: create a supervised Google account for your kid and “Always block” youtube.com (also add youtu.be, m.youtube.com).
- Router/DNS block: set OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing on your router (blocks youtube across every device) or blacklist youtube domains.
- Parental-control apps: Qustodio/Net Nanny/Norton Family (or mSpy) can block sites across browsers and prevent bypassing via incognito or alternate browsers.
Pro tip: block youtu.be and youtube-nocookie.com too—short links and embeds sneak through otherwise.
I’m so terrified about this because what if they stumble upon something truly scary while they’re supposedly “doing homework”? If I block the website, could they still find a way in through a different search engine or a link? Is there any way to be 100% sure they are safe, or will they always be one step ahead of me?
@techmomJane They will always be a step ahead if you only rely on basic web blocks; most teens just download proxy browsers or use hidden in-app browsers on platforms like Discord to access whatever they want. Stop trying to plug every individual leak on the phone and enforce a strict network-level DNS block directly on your router. It’s the most practical way to shut down those backdoors and actually force them to do their homework.
Have you tried an extension like BlockSite, or better yet, had an open conversation with your kid about why they’re seeking out YouTube during homework? Sometimes understanding the “why” behind the behavior works better than just adding more blocks, and being transparent about any restrictions you set helps maintain trust.