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Block YouTube Channels

How to Block YouTube Channels with WhitelistVideo

Block specific YouTube channels from your child's account permanently. Unlike YouTube's native features, WhitelistVideo blocks cannot be bypassed.

Why Block YouTube Channels?

YouTube has over 800 million videos, and not all are appropriate for children. Parents need to block channels that:

  • Show inappropriate or mature content
  • Use clickbait and sensationalism
  • Promote unsafe behaviors or values
  • Are not age-appropriate for your child

Whitelist vs. Blocklist: WhitelistVideo uses a whitelist approach by default — only approved channels are accessible. You can also explicitly block specific channels for extra assurance.

Methods to Block YouTube Channels

Method 1: WhitelistVideo (Recommended)

WhitelistVideo provides the most effective channel blocking because:

  • Cannot be bypassed — Works at the OS level using enterprise browser policies
  • Works across all browsers — Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and more
  • Cross-device sync — Block on one device, applies to all
  • Permanent blocks — Stays blocked until you remove it
  • Blocks search & recommendations — Channel completely hidden

Step 1: Install WhitelistVideo

Download the browser extension from the Chrome Web Store and install the Parent Dashboard app on your phone.

Step 2: Navigate to Block Channels

  1. Open the Parents' App on your phone
  2. Tap on your child's name tab
  3. Go to the Manage tab
  4. Scroll to Blocklist section

Step 3: Add Channel to Blocklist

  1. Tap Add Channel or the + button
  2. Enter the channel's @handle or name
  3. Select the channel from search results
  4. Tap Block

Step 4: Verify the Block

  1. On your child's device, try to access the blocked channel
  2. Videos should show "This channel is blocked"
  3. Channel won't appear in search results

Blocklist section in Parent Dashboard

Method 2: YouTube's Built-in "Don't Recommend Channel"

YouTube offers a basic hiding feature, but it has significant limitations:

Step 1: Find a Video from the Channel

Navigate to any video from the channel you want to hide.

Step 2: Click the Three Dots

Click the ⋮ (three dots) next to the video title.

Step 3: Select "Don't Recommend Channel"

Choose this option from the menu.

⚠️

Limitations of YouTube's Method:

  • Only hides from recommendations — child can still search for it
  • Easy to undo in YouTube settings
  • Device-specific — doesn't sync across devices
  • Requires being signed in to YouTube

Method 3: Browser Extensions

Extensions like BlockTube can block channels on desktop browsers:

  1. Install the extension from Chrome Web Store
  2. Right-click any video → "Block this channel"
  3. Channel disappears from that browser

Limitations:

  • Desktop only — doesn't work on mobile or tablet
  • Can be bypassed with incognito mode
  • Child can uninstall the extension
  • Only works on one browser at a time

Comparison: Channel Blocking Methods

MethodBlocks Search?Cross-Device?Bypass-Proof?Mobile?
WhitelistVideo✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Don't Recommend❌ No❌ No❌ No✅ Yes
Browser Extensions✅ Yes❌ No❌ No❌ No

Managing Your Blocklist

View Blocked Channels

  1. Open the Parents' App
  2. Tap your child's name tab → Manage tab
  3. Expand the Blocklist section
  4. See all blocked channels with their details

Remove a Channel from Blocklist

  1. Find the channel in your blocklist
  2. Tap the trash icon next to it
  3. Channel is immediately unblocked

Whitelist Takes Priority: If a channel is on both your whitelist and blocklist, the blocklist wins — the channel stays blocked.

Block by Keyword

In addition to blocking specific channels, you can block videos containing certain keywords:

  1. Go to Blocklist → Keywords
  2. Add words like "prank," "scary," or "unboxing"
  3. Videos with these words in the title are blocked

Troubleshooting Channel Blocking

Channel still accessible after blocking

  1. Wait 30 seconds for sync to complete
  2. Refresh the YouTube page
  3. Check that protection is enabled (not in "Unprotected" mode)
  4. Verify the correct @handle was blocked

Can't find a channel to block

  • Search by the exact @handle (e.g., @channelname)
  • Try the full channel name
  • Verify the channel exists on YouTube

Child bypassed the block

With WhitelistVideo, bypasses shouldn't be possible if:

  • Advanced Protection is enabled (recommended)
  • Extension shows "Protection Active"
  • Child doesn't have admin access to the device

If blocks are being bypassed, contact support.

Best Practices for Channel Blocking

Use Whitelisting Instead

Rather than playing "whack-a-mole" blocking bad channels:

  1. Set protection to Manual (SAFE) mode
  2. Only add channels you've personally reviewed
  3. Let your child request new channels
  4. Review requests before approving

This way, you're not trying to block millions of potentially bad channels — you're approving a curated list of good ones.

Combine with AI Shield

For older children who need more content:

  1. Enable AI Shield (SECURE) mode
  2. WhitelistVideo's AI analyzes video content
  3. Blocks inappropriate content automatically
  4. Add specific channels to blocklist as needed

Regular Review

Check your blocklist monthly:

  • Remove channels that are no longer relevant
  • Add new channels based on your child's viewing patterns
  • Review the Requests tab for patterns

Related Guides

OverviewParental Controls Setup
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