Funny how it's so difficult for parents to block their kids access to content. Almost like it's on purpose....
A second vote for Pihole. Pi Hole is software that runs on a raspberry pi, and acts as a Name resolver (DNS server) in place of your ISP's DNS server. You can load block lists, and manually add URLs to be blocked. There are step-by-step instructions (on Youtube!) that show you how to get it going and interfaced to your network. Right now, buying a Raspberry Pi is difficult/expensive, as they are in short supply. However, if your router doesn't have a page to block IP addresses or URL's, this is the easiest way to handle it. Bonus, you can eliminate most ads from your browsers as well. You can also look into upgrading/updating your router to get one that allows url blocking.
have read a lot of this... best thing in my mind if you can go without.. shut it down!! however the underlying problem is def not you.. but your right hand.... dont ask.. cost alot of $$$ right hand is connected as well
I reiterate the Pi will not block something that has a cellular radio. It is a good solution for everything else however and one I use personally although I don't rely on it specifically for that purpose.
Router/modem combos provided by ISPs do the bare minimum to provide access with little security features, in my experience at least. I have a wired modem and use Asus wireless "routers". I don't have a lot of experience with different brands of home networking devices, but I really like the stuff Asus provides. I can limit access to websites, set time limits, throttle bandwidth, etc. The GUI isn't entirely shit, and the mild ass pain of setting it up is worth it. The wifi mesh system is really easy to use, if you need it. I have this model. https://a.co/d/1BI2qy9 For a modem, find a wired one that works with your ISP with a speed higher than your provided service. This is what I use with Mediacomm. https://a.co/d/03DOnEF If your plan is 400Mbps or lower, there's a less expensive one that will work just as well. You can use the parental controls to limit access to certain websites, but kids can find workarounds easily. Although, I think there is a feature that allows you to record what websites are being visited by a certain device, so that may help you to keep up with and block any workarounds that may be found. Another option would be to limit access to certain times of the day, like no internet to devices X and Y after 7pm. Or throttle their wifi connections so hard that it takes 2 minutes for a JPEG to load. The WiFi world is your oyster. Edit: You could also find what TCP port YouTube uses for streaming and block that. That would be harder to bypass I think. I did a quick search and it looks like it's port 1935. But it may also use 443 (HTTPS) to stream, and blocking that would block most of the internet.
How about telling your kids what you have determined to be a reasonable youtube limit and then having consequences if they violate it? I think they call that parenting.
There's a balance between parenting and simple steps I can take to aid in my parenting without me having to constantly telling them to get off a device and to go do something productive.
Use the digital to reinforce the actual parenting. If they fail to obey, they lose the privilege - take the phone and shut off the main WiFi. It does actually work. My router has a guest channel with a separate password. It can be the kids channel and it can be turned off or the password changed.
Look on the bright side: some people's kids spend too much time on YouPorn. In the grand scheme of things, yours might be a relative blessing.
My kids, 19 and 21 y/o, are on 'The Spectrum'. I'm fine with them using their screens, and often watching various You tubes. Good luck
You must not be old enough. Yelling at the kids and telling them to get off the device and be productive is one of the joys in life. Kinda like " Get off my lawn!". I have to tell my grandkids to get off of youtube and participate with the family. Not often, but always fun.
