How to Block YouTube from Safari?

YouTube offers a mix of great content and risky content for kids. As a parent, you may want to block YouTube on your child's devices. This ensures they avoid inappropriate or excessive video watching.

In this guide, we'll explore 4 proven ways to block YouTube specifically in the Safari browser on Mac. The methods range from quick and easy to more advanced.

Follow along to find the right approach for your family's needs. Soon your kids can browse worry-free while you gain peace of mind.

Why Block YouTube on Safari?

Here are key reasons parents block YouTube on devices:

Limit Harmful Content

The YouTube algorithm can expose kids to violent, sexual, or inappropriate videos. Blocking prevents stumbling upon this harmful content.

Reduce Risky Influences

Kids may encounter negative role models or dangerous challenges on YouTube. Blocking limits interaction with risky individuals.

Curb Excessive Use

YouTube's addictive design can hook kids for hours. Blocking helps break the constant video loop.

Focus Learning

With unlimited videos, kids may learn aimlessly on YouTube. Blocking focuses on learning on parent-approved channels.

Method 1: Use Canopy Parental Control Software

Canopy is an award-winning parental control app. It lets you easily block websites and adult content across your kid's devices.

“Canopy's content filtering has been a lifesaver. I have total peace of mind now when my kids use the internet.” – Sarah D., Parent

Follow these steps to block YouTube using Canopy:

1. Create a Canopy Account

Go to the Canopy website and start your free trial. Make an account as a parent.

2. Download the Canopy App

Install Canopy on each device you want to manage. It works on phones, tablets, computers, and more.

3. Configure Site Blocking

In the Canopy dashboard, select your child's profile. Go to “Protection Services” then “Advanced Filtering.”

4. Add YouTube to Blocked Sites

Click “Add Website” and type in “www.youtube.com“. Set the level to “Block” and save.

That's all it takes! Canopy will now block YouTube fully on your child's browser. You can also block video categories, apps, adult content, and more with Canopy.

It offers comprehensive parental controls while being easy to use. Try Canopy free for 30 days.

Method 2: Use Safari's Built-In Restrictions

Safari has built-in web restrictions under Parental Controls. Here's how to use them to block YouTube:

1. Open System Preferences

Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.

2. Go to Screen Time

Click on the Screen Time icon in System Preferences.

3. Click Content & Privacy

In the left sidebar, choose “Content & Privacy” under Screen Time.

4. Turn On Restrictions

Click “Turn On” at the top right. Enter a restrictions passcode when prompted.

5. Limit Adult Websites

Scroll down and enable “Limit Adult Websites” under the Web Content section.

6. Customize Allowed Websites

Click “Customize…” next to Limit Adult Websites. A window will pop up.

7. Add YouTube to the Blocked List

In the window, click the + icon below the Never Allow list. Enter “youtube.com”.

8. Save the Restrictions

Click OK to save changes. Now YouTube is blocked on Safari.

Safari Restrictions get the job done for basic site blocking. But Canopy offers more robust parental controls overall.

Method 3: Block via Terminal (Advanced)

You can block sites at the network level on Mac using the Terminal app. This method involves editing the Hosts file.

1. Open the Terminal app

Search for Terminal in Finder. Open the Terminal app.

2. Enter the Hosts File

Type “sudo nano /etc/hosts” and hit Enter. Enter your password when prompted.

3. Add a Block for YouTube

Enter “127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com” on a new line.

4. Save the Changes

Press Ctrl+O and hit Enter to save the Hosts file. YouTube is now blocked.

5. Clear the Cache

Clear your browser cache or open a private window to apply the block.

This method works well for permanent blocking. But it requires some technical comfort with using Terminal.

Method 4: Block via Router Settings

You can block sites like YouTube through your router settings. This will apply the block to all devices on your home network.

1. Find Your Router's IP Address

On your Mac, go to Network Settings to find your router's IP address.

2. Log Into Your Router Admin Panel

Enter your router's IP address in your browser. Log in with your router admin credentials.

3. Locate Website Blocking Options

Check your router settings for any content filtering, access controls, or website-blocking tools.

4. Add YouTube to the Blocked Sites List

Follow the steps to add YouTube to your router's blocked websites list. This will block it device-wide.

5. Save Settings and Restart Router

Save your changes and restart your home network router to apply the block.

Your router method ensures all kids see the YouTube block, even on new devices. But it requires router admin access and technical know-how.

Summary of YouTube Blocking Methods:

1. Canopy: Comprehensive parental controls, easy to use
2. Safari Restrictions: Quick built-in option, basic blocking
3. Terminal: Powerful but needs technical expertise
4. Router Settings: Blocks site across all devices

No matter which method you choose, blocking YouTube on Safari is doable for parents. Just decide which approach best suits your family's needs.

With YouTube safely blocked, kids can browse worry-free and focus on positive online experiences. Meanwhile, parents gain peace of mind about their child's internet use.