The platform moves to strengthen child safety amid growing concerns around minors in live broadcasts.

YouTube has announced a significant policy update: beginning next month, users under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to host livestreams on the platform. Additionally, streams featuring children without adult supervision may be removed.

Though YouTube has not offered a detailed public explanation for the change, the update comes amid heightened concerns about child safety and exploitation during live broadcasts.

The new restriction is expected to particularly impact young gaming streamers, many of whom start livestreaming in their early teens. Over the years, reports have surfaced of minors encountering inappropriate interactions and other risks while live on the platform.

Context and Regulatory Pressure

The policy change also aligns with ongoing regulatory discussions in Australia, where the government is preparing to introduce a minimum age of 16 for access to all social media platforms. YouTube has so far been exempt from the proposed law due to its educational content value, but this week, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner renewed calls to include YouTube, citing risks tied to its interactive features.

Reinforcing Platform Safety

The move may reflect YouTube’s broader strategy to distinguish itself from socially-driven platforms and reinforce its commitment to child safety. By proactively implementing age restrictions, YouTube positions itself as a platform taking measurable steps toward protecting its youngest users.

While the change may limit opportunities for some aspiring teen creators, it is unlikely to impact YouTube’s overall livestreaming volume. Instead, the update is being seen as a responsible move aimed at ensuring a safer environmentfor minors on the platform.