Down the Rabbit Hole: Interrogating Content Regulation of YouTube Kids Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26623/themessenger.v16i1.8944Keywords:
YouTube Kids, Content Regulation, Parental ControlAbstract
Introduction: Given the rapid development of the digital media industry, it is essential to recognise the importance of YouTube, a widely used platform. In 2015, YouTube launched YouTube Kids, a platform designed specifically for children to provide content appropriate for young audiences. Methods: This research uses a qualitative method by focusing on YouTube channels with children as the leading content creators, namely on @leikagarudita accounts, @AishwaNahlaOfficial, @abilfatankey, and @ArinagaFamily with the theme of family and children. This study examines how the development of YouTube channels for children can provide space and new alternatives for a variety of content for adults on the YouTube platform and the content regulations governing their use. Based on the restriction rules given by YouTube Parental Control. What are the dynamics that arise in the use of YouTube Kids? Findings: The study revealed that content restrictions on YouTube Kids primarily target viewers under 13, based on information collection patterns on the YouTube Kids search page and Parental Access and Controls. Children are not given full access to account management at each stage, but parents or guardians have full authority over the YouTube Kids Company. The rules for using YouTube Kids are closely related to parental permission, aiming to provide content suitable for children. Originality: Although several studies have discussed the content of YouTube channels. However, no research has focused on family channel YouTube accounts focusing on children as the leading content creators.References
Ahmad Efendi. (2021). Tugas & Wewenang Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia (KPI), Termasuk Sensor? Https://Bit.Ly/45R4EW3.
Alwaely, S. A., Minnullina, R., Fedorova, E., & Lazareva, Y. (2023). Сase study in Russia: the views of parents on schoolchildren’s cyber addiction in online learning. Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2156187
Azer, S. A., Bokhari, R. A., AlSaleh, G. S., Alabdulaaly, M. M., Ateeq, K. I., Guerrero, A. P. S., & Azer, S. (2018). Experience of parents of children with autism on YouTube: Are there educationally useful videos? Informatics for Health and Social Care, 43(3), 219–233. https://doi.org/10.1080/17538157.2018.1431238
Balanzategui, J. (2023). ‘Disturbing’ children’s YouTube genres and the algorithmic uncanny. New Media & Society, 25(12), 3521–3542. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211049264
Baysak, E., Kaya, F. D., Dalgar, I., & Candansayar, S. (2016). Online game addiction in a sample from Turkey: Development and validation of the Turkish version of game addiction scale. Klinik Psikofarmakoloji Bulteni, 26(1), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.5455/bcp.20150502073016
Bridle, J. (2017). Something is wrong on the internet. Https://Medium.Com/@jamesbridle/Something-Is-Wrong-on-the-Internet-C39c471271d2.
Bridle, J. (2018). The nightmare videos of children’s YouTube — and what is wrong with the internet today. Https://Www.Youtube.Com/Watch?V=v9EKV2nSU8w.
Burroughs, B. (2017). Youtube kids: The app economy and mobile parenting. Social Media and Society, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305117707189
Chairunnisa, A., & Talib, A. (2023). AN ANALYSIS OF THE SPEECH ERRORS UTTERED IN HIHO KIDS YOUTUBE VIDEOS. In Journal of Technology in Language Pedagogy (JTechLP) (Vol. 2, Issue 1).
Choi, Y. J., & Kim, C. (2024). A content analysis of cognitive, emotional, and social development in popular kids’ YouTube. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 48(6), 497–510. https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254241239964
Cunningham, C. M. (2014). Sixteen and Not Pregnant: Teen-created YouTube Parody Videos and Sexual Risk-Taking in the United States. Journal of Children and Media, 8(1), 53–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2014.863479
Cunningham, S., & Craig, D. (2019). Creator Governance in Social Media Entertainment. Social Media and Society, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305119883428
de La Laguna, U., María Isabel Vidal Esteve, E., Esteve, Miv., & Gómez, Sl. (n.d.). Palabras clave YouTube Kids; productos audiovisuales; materiales didácticos digitales; Educación Infantil; vídeos.
Drotner, K. (2020). Children’s digital content creation: Towards a processual understanding of media production among Danish children. Journal of Children and Media, 14(2), 221–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2019.1701056
du Plessis, C. (2019). Prosumer engagement through story-making in transmedia branding. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 22(1), 175–192. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367877917750445
Franqueira, V. N. L., Annor, J. A., & Kafali, O. (2022). Age Appropriate Design: Assessment of TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube Kids. http://arxiv.org/abs/2208.02638
FTC. (2019). Google and YouTube Will Pay Record $170 Million for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Law. Https://Www.Ftc.Gov/News-Events/News/Press-Releases/2019/09/Google-Youtube-Will-Pay-Record-170-Million-Alleged-Violations-Childrens-Privacy-Law.
Google. (2023). Content policies for YouTube Kids. Https://Support.Google.Com/Youtube/Answer/10938174?Hl=en&ref_topic=9282435&sjid=12377039332103336825-AP#zippy=.
Hassinger-Das, B., & Dore, R. A. (2023). “Sometimes people on YouTube are real, but sometimes not”: Children’s understanding of the reality status of YouTube. E-Learning and Digital Media, 20(6), 618–630. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530221140679
Hesse, A., Glenna, L., Hinrichs, C., Chiles, R., & Sachs, C. (2019). Qualitative Research Ethics in the Big Data Era. American Behavioral Scientist, 63(5), 560–583. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764218805806
Hettche, M., Clayton, M. J., & Leichtentritt, S. (2023). Using YouTube Playlists for Qualitative Research: A Classroom Activity for Content Analyzing Video Ads. Journal of Advertising Education, 27(1), 50–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/10980482231168077
Hussain, S., Ramzan, I., Uddin Ahmed, M., & Iqbal, J. (2022). Role Of Youtube Kids Channel In Socialization Of Children During Covid-19. In Journal of Positive School Psychology (Vol. 2022, Issue 9). http://journalppw.com
Idowu, D. L., & Ogunnubi, O. (2023). Soft power in therapeutic comedy: outlining Nigeria’s creative industry through digital comic skits. Creative Industries Journal, 16(3), 361–382. https://doi.org/10.1080/17510694.2022.2025703
Ihlebæk, K. A. (2018). Participatory Culture in a Networked Era. Information, Communication & Society, 21(12), 1801–1802. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2017.1417462
Ishikawa, A., Bollis, E., & Avila, S. (2019). Combating the Elsagate phenomenon: Deep learning architectures for disturbing cartoons. http://arxiv.org/abs/1904.08910
Jaakkola, M. (2020a). From vernacularized commercialism to kidbait: toy review videos on YouTube and the problematics of the mash-up genre. Journal of Children and Media, 14(2), 237–254. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2019.1693409
Jaakkola, M. (2020b). From vernacularized commercialism to kidbait: toy review videos on YouTube and the problematics of the mash-up genre. Journal of Children and Media, 14(2), 237–254. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2019.1693409
Jempson, M. (1999). Developing Child-Friendly Media.
Jin Jeong, Y., Suh, B., & Gweon, G. (2020). Is smartphone addiction different from Internet addiction? comparison of addiction-risk factors among adolescents. Behaviour and Information Technology, 39(5), 578–593. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2019.1604805
Kaye, B. K., & Johnson, T. J. (2016). Restoring sanity through comic relief: Parody television viewers and political outlook. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 24(3), 131–143. https://doi.org/10.1080/15456870.2016.1184520
Kemenkes. (2011). Kebutuhan Dasar Anak untuk Tumbuh Kembang Yang Optimal. Https://Kesmas.Kemkes.Go.Id/Konten/133/0/021113-Kebutuhan-Dasar-Anak-Untuk-Tumbuh-Kembang-Yang-Optimal#:~:Text=Berdasarkan%20Undang%2Dundang%20No.%2023,Anak%20antara%200%2D19%20tahun.
Kendariinfo. (2022). Abil Fatan Key, Youtuber Cilik asal Kendari dengan 1 Juta Subscribers. Kendariinfo. https://kendariinfo.com/abil-fatan-key-youtuber-cilik-asal-kendari-dengan-1-juta-subscribers/
Keryova, E. (2020). YouTube: Online Video and Participatory Culture. Information, Communication & Society, 23(9), 1386–1387. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2020.1726989
Kien, G. (2013). Media memes and prosumerist ethics: Notes toward a theoretical examination of memetic audience behavior. Cultural Studies - Critical Methodologies, 13(6), 554–561. https://doi.org/10.1177/1532708613503785
Kominfo. (2023, November). Wamenkominfo: Lindungi Anak dari Kejahatan Ruang Digital. SIARAN PERS NO. 477/HM/KOMINFO/11/2023. https://www.kominfo.go.id/index.php/content/detail/53029/siaran-pers-no-477hmkominfo112023-tentang-wamenkominfo-lindungi-anak-dari-kejahatan-ruang-digital/0/siaran_pers#:~:text=Mengutip%20data%20UNICEF%20pada%202023,pengguna%20internet%2C%22%20ujar%20Wame
Lange, P. G. (2014). Kids on YouTube : Technical Identities and Digital Literacies.
Lee, C., & Kim, O. (2017). Predictors of online game addiction among Korean adolescents. Addiction Research and Theory, 25(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2016.1198474
Lim, S. S., & Nekmat, E. (2008). Learning through “prosuming”: Insights from media literacy programmes in Asia. Science, Technology and Society, 13(2), 259–278. https://doi.org/10.1177/097172180801300205
Macenaite, M., & Kosta, E. (2017). Consent for processing children’s data in the EU: following in US footsteps? Information and Communications Technology Law, 26(2), 146–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/13600834.2017.1321096
Martin, F., Gezer, T., Anderson, J., Polly, D., & Wang, W. C. (2021). Examining Parents Perception on Elementary School Children Digital Safety. Educational Media International, 58(1), 60–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2021.1908500
Martínez, C., & Olsson, T. (2019). Making sense of youtubers: How swedish children construct and negotiate the youtuber misslisibell as a girl celebrity. Journal of Children and Media, 13(1), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2018.1517656
Mateus, J. C. (2021). Media literacy for children: Empowering citizens for a mediatized world. Global Studies of Childhood, 11(4), 373–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/20436106211014903
Nansen, B., & Balanzategui, J. (2022). Visual tactility: ‘Oddly satisfying’ videos, sensory genres and ambiguities in children’s YouTube. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 28(6), 1555–1576. https://doi.org/10.1177/13548565221105196
Neumann, M. M., & Herodotou, C. (2020). Young Children and YouTube: A global phenomenon. Childhood Education, 96(4), 72–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2020.1796459
Nugroho, Y., Siregar, M. F., & Laksmi, S. (2012). Memetakan Kebijakan Media di Indonesia.
Nurhanisah, Y. (2023). Pengguna Internet Indonesia Paling Banyak Usia Berapa? Https://Indonesiabaik.Id/Infografis/Pengguna-Internet-Indonesia-Paling-Banyak-Usia-Berapa.
O’Connor, J., Fotakopoulou, O., Johnston, K., Kewalramani, S., & Ludgate, S. (2023). Resisting hyperreality? Talking to young children about YouTube and YouTube Kids. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 146394912311664. https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491231166487
Ohno, S. (2016). Internet escapism and addiction among Japanese senior high school students. International Journal of Culture and Mental Health, 9(4), 399–406. https://doi.org/10.1080/17542863.2016.1226911
Pires, F., Masanet, M. J., & Scolari, C. A. (2021). What are teens doing with YouTube? Practices, uses and metaphors of the most popular audio-visual platform. Information Communication and Society, 24(9), 1175–1191. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2019.1672766
Putri, E. W., Kunci, K., Dakwah, :, Hana, O. &, Imam, A. L., & Dakwah, J. M. (2022). Endrika Widdia Putri-Analisis Konten Dakwah…. Analisis Konten Dakwah dalam Channel Youtube Omar & Hana Islamic Cartoons for Kids pada Awal Ramadhan 1443 H. https://ejournal.uinib.ac.id/jurnal/index.php/alimam/index
RG. (2021). Tampilkan Adegan Berisiko Bagi Anak, KPI Tegur Acara “I POP” di Net TV (NET.). Https://Bit.Ly/3SkDwMa.
Ribes, X. (2020). Is the YouTube Animation Algorithm-Friendly? How YouTube’s Algorithm Influences the Evolution of Animation Production on the Internet. Animation, 15(3), 229–245. https://doi.org/10.1177/1746847720969990
Ross, P. (2014). Were producers and audiences ever separate? conceptualizing media production as social situation. Television and New Media, 15(2), 157–174. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476412454686
Salsabilla, A., Salsabilla Maharani, A., Darmawan, M., & Wardana, K. (2023). ELSE (Elementary School Education Journal) YOUTUBE KIDS: SOLUSI MENGURANGI PENGARUH NEGATIF PADA YOUTUBE BAGI SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR. 7(1).
Saraswati Sakariah, D., Studi Bahasa dan Sastra Jepang, P., Ilmu Budaya, F., Diponegoro Semarang, U., Soedarto, J., & Tembalang Semarang, S. (2022). GAMBARAN POLA PENGASUHAN ANAK DALAM KELUARGA JEPANG PADA KANAL YOUTUBE “KIMONO MOM.” In Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Antropologi (Vol. 5, Issue 2).
Simanjuntak, M., Putri, M. K. N., Yuliati, L. N., Muflikhati, I., Retnaningsih, R., & Johan, I. R. (2023). Explaining Children on Youtube: The Case of Indonesian Subscriber Behavioral Intention on Kidz Youtube Channel. Jurnal Ilmu Keluarga Dan Konsumen, 16(2), 188–198. https://doi.org/10.24156/jikk.2023.16.2.188
Snelson, C. L. (2016). Qualitative and mixed methods social media research: A review of the literature. In International Journal of Qualitative Methods (Vol. 15, Issue 1). SAGE Publications Inc. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406915624574
Sui, W., Sui, A., & Rhodes, R. E. (2022). What to watch: Practical considerations and strategies for using YouTube for research. Digital Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221123707
Swastiningrum, I. (2022). Jebakan Elsagate: Tontonan Anak-Anak yang Tidak Ramah Anak. Https://Www.Remotivi.or.Id/Headline/Konsep-Dan-Isu/777.
Tribunnews. (2017). Aishwa, Gadis Kecil Asal Palembang yang Hapal Lebih Dari 20 Shalawat Berkat Didikan Orangtuanya. Tribunnews. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmxflxiecw8
UNICEF. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Https://Www.Unicef.Org/Child-Rights-Convention#learn.
Wendland, J. (2024). Building a Better Participatory Culture and Enhancing Sense of Community in Podcasts – Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Radio & Audio Media, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376529.2024.2347609
Zhang, L. (2017). Fashioning the feminine self in “prosumer capitalism”: Women’s work and the transnational reselling of Western luxury online. Journal of Consumer Culture, 17(2), 184–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469540515572239
Zimmerle, J. C., & Wall, A. S. (2019). What is in a Policy? Evaluating the Privacy Policies of Children’s Apps and Websites. In Computers in the Schools (Vol. 36, Issue 1, pp. 38–47). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2019.1565628
Downloads
Additional Files
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright Transfer Form
The copyright to this article is transferred to the Department of Communication, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang if and when the article is accepted for publication. The undersigned hereby transfers any and all rights in and to the paper including without limitation all copyrights to the Department of Communication, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the paper is original and that he/she is the author of the paper, except for material that is clearly identified as to its original source, with permission notices from the copyright owners where required. The undersigned represents that he/she has the power and authority to make and execute this assignment.
We declare that:
1. This paper has not been published in the same form elsewhere.
2. It will not be submitted anywhere else for publication prior to acceptance/rejection by this Journal.
3. A copyright permission is obtained for materials published elsewhere and which require this permission for reproduction.
Furthermore, I/We hereby transfer the unlimited rights of publication of the above mentioned paper in whole to the Department of Communication, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang. The copyright transfer not covers the exclusive right to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, microform, electronic form (offline, online) or any other reproductions of similar nature.
The corresponding author signs for and accepts responsibility for releasing this material on behalf of any and all co-authors. This agreement is to be signed by at least one of the authors who have obtained the assent of the co-author(s) where applicable. After submission of this agreement signed by the corresponding author, changes of authorship or in the order of the authors listed will not be accepted.
Retained Rights/Terms and Conditions
1. Authors retain all proprietary rights in any process, procedure, or article of manufacture described in the Work.
2. Authors may reproduce or authorize others to reproduce the work or derivative works for the authors personal use or for company use, provided that the source and the Department of Communication, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang copyright notice are indicated, the copies are not used in any way that implies the Department of Communication, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang endorsement of a product or service of any employer, and the copies themselves are not offered for sale.
3. Although authors are permitted to re-use all or portions of the Work in other works, this does not include granting third-party requests for reprinting, republishing, or other types of re-use.
