Safe YouTube Gaming Channels for kids

Somewhat game-related and somewhat tech-related, but I wasn't sure so I'm posting this question here for now.

My 10 year old son has recently become addicted to YouTube, and specifically watching people play games on YouTube. I think it's pretty normal for his age these days, but my concern is the content of some of these broadcasters. The other day he threatened to "rape" somebody without even knowing what that meant, and he's now picked up every swear word in the book. I had him shut off his tablet the other day upon overhearing an F-Bomb from a guy playing Paper Mario.

And therein lies the heart of the problem. He's not allowed to play or watch M-Rated games, and obeys that rule. But these are E-Rated games he is looking up and watching. Games like Splatoon, Mario Games, etc... It's the broadcasters that are the problem, and YouTube has no rating system for this kind of thing.

So my question to the community is are there any fun to watch family friendly casters that you guys could recommend for him? I feel like I need to stop letting him search by the games he wants to see, and just find 4 or 5 people that are safe to watch regardless of what they play. I'd hate to just flat out ban this new hobby from him, so we're looking for better options!

My boyr are addicted to PopularMMOs

Your source for epic Minecraft content! Don't forget to subscribe! - Minecraft Mob Battles and Arena Battles - Epic Modded Let's Plays - Mod Showcases - Minecraft Mods Vs Maps

Clean, and lots of videos

I understand where you're coming from. My boys are almost 5 now and love to watch Minecraft and Mario videos on YouTube. A little vetting beforehand can go a long way but because they're still so young I'm usually the one navigating the Roku interface and selecting the videos. An older kid on a longer leash I could see that being more difficult.
One thing I will say is that even the channels that are more tame in the commentary can still be really, really irritating. Those Little Kelly and Super Gamer Girl channels for Minecraft make me want to pull my own teeth out, but then I suppose I'm not in their target audience.

Not HobbyKids or FGTV. Can't stand those people.

EvanTube does some good gaming vids, though may be too kiddie for a 10 year old. Dunno, mine is about to turn 6.

We also like JangBricks for Lego-related videos (nongaming).

Shout out to FamilyGamerTV which has our very own gamerparent a part of that unit.

My niece was absolutely obsessed with stampylonghead for a while, I am pretty sure he oriented his channel specifically to the 8-14 demographic. However I am pretty sure he does Minecraft exclusively.

He's also mildly less mind-flaying than some of the ones Doc Awk mentioned.

Thanks for the tips, I will definitely check those out for him. I checked out the YouTube kids app as a possible substitute, but that is way too kiddy for him at 10. It's a tough age.

My 10 year old son is in the same boat, it is a tough age. Too old for constant hand holding but too young to have good judgement when things get weird. We have Windows family safety things in place, but with Youtube basically being carte blanche I've had to ask him not to view some videos.

Yesterday he even asked to buy some Android tablet app for content creators because he wants to make Youtube videos and be a streamer. I'm super hesitant to encourage anything like that - he barely has his own email address, much less any social media profiles or online presence at all, honestly.

Good lord I feel old.

Hah, I hear you Osiran. My boy wants to do the same thing. He actually has more of an interest in watching people play games than playing them himself right now. He doesn't have a lot of friends, so part of me thinks it might be a loneliness thing. Like by watching these people play, joke, and chat about games, he feels like he's hanging out with them...but that's just a theory. I mean, I could just totally ban it or force him to do other things, but I want him to have his own things to be into and feel free to pursue his interests, so long as they are healthy, at the same time.

Chuggaconroy usually keeps it pretty tame, and does a fantastic job of putting together his LP's with tons of research and cutting or speeding up repetitive content. He did an amazing Xenoblade Chronicles LP, but does tend to call out the terribly revealing costumes (guys show just as much skin sometimes). He recently just did a Pikmin 3 LP and is now doing on of the Pokemon games. He tends to stick to Nintendo systems.

mrtomaytohead wrote:

Chuggaconroy usually keeps it pretty tame, and does a fantastic job of putting together his LP's with tons of research and cutting or speeding up repetitive content. He did an amazing Xenoblade Chronicles LP, but does tend to call out the terribly revealing costumes (guys show just as much skin sometimes). He recently just did a Pikmin 3 LP and is now doing on of the Pokemon games. He tends to stick to Nintendo systems.

He does some stuff for GameXplain, which is also a Nintendo-focused channel and good for the kiddos.

For minecraft I think Etho, Bdouble00 and Vintage Beef is fairly safe

Might I suggest Matt Crushes Games

...or should this go in the "Self-Indulgent Parent" thread instead?

Thurgrim wrote:

My 10 year old son has recently become addicted to YouTube, and specifically watching people play games on YouTube. I think it's pretty normal for his age these days, but my concern is the content of some of these broadcasters. The other day he threatened to "rape" somebody without even knowing what that meant, and he's now picked up every swear word in the book. I had him shut off his tablet the other day upon overhearing an F-Bomb from a guy playing Paper Mario.

And therein lies the heart of the problem. He's not allowed to play or watch M-Rated games, and obeys that rule. But these are E-Rated games he is looking up and watching. Games like Splatoon, Mario Games, etc... It's the broadcasters that are the problem, and YouTube has no rating system for this kind of thing.

So my question to the community is are there any fun to watch family friendly casters that you guys could recommend for him? I feel like I need to stop letting him search by the games he wants to see, and just find 4 or 5 people that are safe to watch regardless of what they play. I'd hate to just flat out ban this new hobby from him, so we're looking for better options!

I'm not sure it's quite what he's looking for, but I'd suggest Co-Optitude on Geek & Sundry. While the jokes do get a bit salty at times, the bad language is bleeped out, and since it's Felicia Day and her brother, there at least isn't any sexist garbage being thrown around. Also, YOGSCAST Kim might be a good one to look into. It's more in line with his interests and, as women are involved, it isn't likely to be sexist. From there I'd look at youtubers who are guests on those or other shows you like and check out their content as well.

I don't know, Co-Optitude can be pretty funny but bleeps or no it's a little rough-hewn for a 10-year old.

You definitely have to pick your episodes. My kids love it but there are a few I've had to turn off because the sex jokes got a bit too randy.

I think Blitzkriegsler is pretty good for the younger crowd. He specifically tries to keep his channel family friendly. It's nice if you're looking for something other than Minecraft videos.

https://www.youtube.com/user/Blitzkr...

We have found https://www.youtube.com/user/ZackScottGames to be rather kid safe; also he is really good at Plants vs Zombies.

DiamondMinecart is the first thing that comes to mind. Have never watched him but from what I know he mainly plays Minecraft videos either by himself or with his girlfriend.

Even if you find a good one be aware of the comment section that can be filled with tones of vile.

I just started a separate channel for gaming videos that will be kid friendly. I made it for my nephew, but looking to expand. My channel can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQr...

I know I'm late to the party here but I got tired of my boys watching terrible and inappropriate YouTube videos so I started making my own tonight. Here is the link to my channel, I plan on putting out videos regularly going forward:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2n...

Please spread the word to parents who want gameplay videos that are 100% safe for kids with no profanity.

copperkidd wrote:

I know I'm late to the party here but I got tired of my boys watching terrible and inappropriate YouTube videos so I started making my own tonight. Here is the link to my channel, I plan on putting out videos regularly going forward:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2n...

Please spread the word to parents who want gameplay videos that are 100% safe for kids with no profanity.

Nice channel! I approve of your choice of game for your first video

Good luck in your budding career as a YouTuber!

Subscribed.

Thanks guys! I just uploaded a re-do of the "Mega Man" video because it didn't come out quite how I wanted it to so please check out the new one if you get a chance.

I plan on uploading one video a day going forward (hopefully one more tonight) so be on the lookout for those. I really appreciate the support and please do spread the word to your parent friends, I know there are lots of us out there who needs good, clean channels for their kids to watch.

Also subbed though my son is getting older, it's always good to see what's out there for the littl'ns

Awesome, much appreciated. Headed to do the second video now, maybe a third as well.

Props for not being a hit and run, copperkidd. Really thought you might link to your YouTube page and then disappear on the forums, never to be seen again (like the post above you).

Oh, I liked your video as well, commented and hit the subscribe button. As someone with some like minded ideas I'd like to put in to motion (and presently do to a degree with SometimesDee and Gamerparent from these fine forums), I hope you'll be a part of this community beyond this posting.

Welcome to GWJ!

Haha yeah, I hate when people do that. Thanks for the kind words, I just uploaded two more videos and I'm hoping to do a third tonight. Yes, this place seems great, I will check it out more tomorrow when I'm at my job haha

BTW I just bought the domain kidsafegaming.com so it'll be easier to spread the word (it forwards right to the YouTube channel)

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! He watches a lot of DanTDM, Stampy, Squid, Hobby Kids...etc. It's hard to find kid-friendly gaming channels, especially for younger kids. My six year old son just started his own gaming channel (with some help from dad) that is, and will continue to be, family-friendly. If you get some extra time, check it out. I'm sure he'd definitely appreciate it.

Channel: DravenWave