My 8-Year-Old Spends Too Much Time on YouTube: What Can I Do?

by LISN Kids | available on iOS & Android

• 3 min read

Understanding Why Your Child Is Drawn to YouTube

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve found yourself saying, “My 8-year-old won’t stop watching YouTube.” Whether it’s gaming videos, toy reviews, or endless shorts, YouTube has a magnetic pull on kids — and it’s not hard to understand why. The platform is designed to keep viewers engaged for as long as possible, and for children who are naturally curious, that can mean hours lost in a digital rabbit hole.

But if your child is spending too much time on YouTube, what you're probably really worried about is more than just screen time. Maybe you’ve noticed your child becomes irritable when it's time to turn off the tablet. Or you're concerned that this habit is affecting their homework, sleep, or even social interactions.

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to solve this overnight. Let’s look at some mindful, compassionate ways to approach the issue.

Start with Curiosity, Not Conflict

It’s tempting to just pull the plug. But “no more YouTube” often sparks more resistance than results. Instead, take a moment to explore what exactly is capturing your child’s attention. Ask them to show you their favorite videos. Watch with them, if you can. Notice what kinds of content they’re drawn to — is it funny, creative, educational, or something else?

This small gesture builds trust. It shows your child that you’re not out to ruin their fun, but rather, to understand it. From that place of connection, it becomes easier to talk about balance.

If you’re wondering how to assess whether the content they’re watching is appropriate, this guide to choosing quality YouTube content can help.

Set Boundaries That Respect Their Interests

Setting limits shouldn’t feel like punishment. It’s about creating a healthy structure that both of you can live with. Consider collaborating with your child on a daily schedule. Rather than focusing on what they can’t do, build a plan that includes YouTube time, but also leaves room for:

  • Homework and reading
  • Physical activity
  • Offline creative play
  • Family time or chores

Integrating their YouTube time into a broader daily rhythm helps ease the power struggles. To support this process, this article on limiting YouTube screen time without daily battles offers practical examples.

Offer Alternatives That Are Just as Engaging

Let’s face it — part of what makes reducing screen time hard is that the offline world can't always compete. So instead of focusing only on less screen time, focus also on what comes instead. Audiobooks, for example, can provide immersive stories without the overstimulation of a screen.

The Apple App Store and Google Play both offer access to LISN Kids, an app filled with original audiobooks and audio series that are tailor-made for kids ages 3 to 12. Whether your child enjoys magical adventures, science fiction, or animal stories, listening to stories like these can capture their imagination in a healthy and calming way.

LISN Kids App

By offering high-quality alternatives like these, you give your child a way to transition off YouTube without feeling deprived.

Evaluate YouTube Settings and Safety

If your child continues to use YouTube, make sure safeguards are in place. Explore whether they are on the main YouTube platform or on YouTube Kids. While neither is perfect, each comes with its own set of risks and moderation tools.

This article on the safety of YouTube Kids outlines what you need to know. You might also want to look at how well the algorithm aligns with your child’s developmental needs. If their home feed is filled with loud, fast-paced, or meaningless content, it may be time to reset recommendations or subscribe to vetted educational channels. Our list of educational YouTube channels for kids can give you a great head start.

When to Worry — and When to Breathe

Not every YouTube habit is dangerous, and not every moment online is wasted. But if you notice that your child becomes despondent when they’re not watching, avoids socializing, or struggles to complete schoolwork due to distractions, it may be time to involve a professional.

For many families, though, the issue isn’t that the child is addicted to screens. It’s that they’re lacking alternatives, routines, and adult guidance around screen use. As a parent navigating this digital landscape, your role isn’t to eliminate YouTube entirely — it’s to empower your child to use it wisely while supporting a fuller, more balanced life.

Final Thought: Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to feel guilty, frustrated, or overwhelmed. But setting screen limits is a process, not a one-time fix. Some days will go well. Others, not so much. That’s okay.

Keep the long game in mind: you’re teaching your child how to self-regulate, make thoughtful choices, and engage with technology in a healthy way. That takes time — and it starts with a conversation.