How to protect your child's Chromebook with WhitelistVideo
Set up WhitelistVideo on your child's Chromebook to filter YouTube videos. Chromebooks are one of the most secure platforms for families because they only run Chrome and approved apps.
Chromebook Security: Chromebooks provide excellent protection because children can't install alternative browsers or desktop software. For maximum security, use Family Link or a school-managed Chromebook.
What do I need to protect a Chromebook?
- Your child's Chromebook (ChromeOS device)
- Google Chrome browser (pre-installed)
- A WhitelistVideo account
- About 2-5 minutes depending on device type
How does WhitelistVideo work on Chromebooks?
WhitelistVideo for ChromeOS uses the browser extension only. Unlike Windows and Mac, there is no installer to lock the extension in place.
| Feature | Personal Chromebook | School-Managed Chromebook |
|---|---|---|
| Extension installation | Chrome Web Store | Google Admin Console or Web Store |
| Can child remove extension? | Yes | No (blocked by admin) |
| Developer tools blocked | No | Can be blocked by admin |
| Guest mode access | Available | Can be blocked by admin |
| Best for | Older teens (16+) | Students of all ages |
What protection levels are available?
Extension only (personal Chromebook)
- Install the Chrome extension from the Web Store
- Child can remove it by going to chrome://extensions
- Parent receives notification when extension is removed
- Best for: Teens who understand and respect the boundaries
Extension + Family Link (personal Chromebook)
- Install extension via Family Link supervised account
- Parent must approve extension installation
- Parent can force-install extension via Family Link
- Child cannot easily remove extension without parent approval
- Best for: Younger children on personal Chromebooks
School-managed device (recommended)
- IT admin installs extension via Google Admin Console
- Extension force-installed and cannot be removed by student
- Admin can block developer tools, guest mode, and other browsers
- Requires enterprise Google Workspace for Education
- Best for: All students on school-issued Chromebooks
Chromebook protection comparison
| Protection Method | Can Child Remove? | Setup Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension Only | Yes, easily | 2 minutes | Older teens (16+) |
| Extension + Family Link | Difficult | 10 minutes | Personal devices, younger children |
| School-Managed | No (admin control) | 5 minutes (IT admin) | School-issued devices |
Recommendation: For personal Chromebooks, we strongly recommend using Family Link to prevent extension removal. For school devices, ask your IT department about enterprise deployment.
Chromebook security advantages
Chromebooks offer unique security benefits for families:
- No alternative browsers — Children can't install Firefox, Edge, or other browsers
- No desktop software — Can't install programs that could bypass filtering
- Built-in Google integration — Family Link works seamlessly with ChromeOS
- Automatic updates — Security patches apply automatically
Quick start guides
Which setup should I choose?
For older teens (16+) on personal Chromebooks
If your teenager understands and respects your family's YouTube rules:
- Install the extension from Chrome Web Store
- Trust works both ways - if they remove it, you'll be notified
For younger children on personal Chromebooks
For stronger protection on family-owned devices:
- Set up Family Link on the Chromebook
- Install the extension and approve via Family Link
- Configure Family Link to prevent extension removal
For school-issued Chromebooks
For maximum protection on school devices:
- Contact your school's IT department
- Provide them the school-managed setup guide
- IT admin deploys extension via Google Admin Console
- Activate the extension with your PAC code
Recommended setup for personal Chromebooks
For maximum protection: We recommend using Family Link on personal Chromebooks. Family Link adds parental supervision that ensures the extension stays protected.
Family Link provides
- Extension approval — Your child needs permission to add or remove extensions
- Guest mode blocking — Prevent access to unmonitored guest mode
- Screen time controls — Set daily limits and bedtime schedules
- App management — Control which apps can be installed
Chromebook troubleshooting
My child removed the extension
- If it's a personal Chromebook, they can remove it anytime
- You will receive a notification when extensions are removed
- Set up Family Link to prevent this
- Reinstall the extension and activate again
The extension won't install
- Check that Chrome Web Store access isn't blocked
- On school devices, contact IT—extensions may require admin approval
- Try signing out and back into Chrome
- Clear browser cache and try again
My child uses guest mode to bypass filtering
- Guest mode doesn't load extensions by design
- On school devices, ask IT to disable guest browsing
- On personal devices, use Family Link to restrict guest mode
- Monitor device access and establish trust-based rules
Extension works but videos aren't filtered
- Check that the extension is activated with your PAC code
- Click the extension icon to verify activation status
- Make sure your whitelist has approved channels
- Try deactivating and reactivating the extension