Public methodology · v1.6

How we rate YouTube channels for kids

See how Screen Signals rates YouTube channels for kids using sampled recent and popular long-form videos, eight weighted concerns, four age ranges, and clear limits.

How to read a score0 to 100
  1. 0–49High observed concern
  2. 50–84Some observed concern
  3. 85–100Low observed concern

A score summarizes concern patterns observed in the sample using the selected age rubric. It is not a channel or video recommendation.

  • 2 reviewsEarly estimate
  • 6 selectedQuality-checked sample
  • 4 age rangesDifferent sensitivity
The process

From a channel search to a parent guide

One repeatable workflow, with the useful answer shown as soon as there is enough evidence.

01

Confirm the channel

We resolve the exact YouTube channel ID so spelling variations and aliases do not create duplicate creators.

02

Choose a useful sample

We select a mix of recent and popular long-form videos. Shorts are excluded so every rating has enough context.

03

Review each video

A pinned model classifies the available spoken-word evidence using one consistent, parent-focused rubric.

04

Score for each age

The same observations produce separate results for ages 5–7, 8–10, 11–13, and 14–17.

The score

Eight signals, weighted by seriousness

Categories are not treated equally. Mature and sensitive topics, violence, sexual content, and risky behavior have greater influence than commercial pressure.

01Language10%
02Violence & intensity15%
03Sexual or suggestive content15%
04Substances & risky behavior15%
05Harassment & role modeling10%
06Fear & disturbing themes10%
07Mature & sensitive topics20%
08Commercial pressure5%
When results appear

Useful quickly. More certain with time.

Parents do not have to wait for every video before seeing a carefully labeled first result.

2
First look

Early estimate

After two completed video reviews, we show a limited-confidence score while work continues.

6
Quality floor

Stable assessment

We target six long-form videos and require at least four usable reviews before publishing the parent guide.

12
When needed

Deeper check

Up to twelve long-form videos may be reviewed in the background when the first sample is mixed or inconsistent.

Trust & limits

What we do and what we do not claim

We cannot see everything

We do not claim to assess unseen visual-only material, private or deleted uploads, comments, live chat, or every video on a channel.

Review dates stay visible

Every published assessment shows when it was reviewed. Pages older than one year are clearly labeled so parents know that newer uploads may differ.

Evidence is versioned

We store structured video findings, model and scoring versions, sample size, date, and confidence so changes can be explained and rescored.

Screen Signals is for adult parents and legal guardians. It is a decision-support tool, not a substitute for a parent’s knowledge of their child or a review of every upload.