Any easy way to block YouTube on laptop/iPad. I have tried to block on router with minimal or no success.
Looking for alternatives.
How to Block YouTube on Laptop/iPad Completely
LNo user info on 26/08/2025 - 08:28
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Can go somewhat technical, outside the remit of parental control apps is preferred.
I have tried to block on router with minimal or no success.
Clearly not that technical :/
All network traffic goes via the router, it's easy to manipulate packets at the router level, even down to single devices (although I guess it depends on the router) :/
Here are some other options:
Host file isnt too difficult but only applies to the laptop.
Getting blocking working on your router.
Buying a new router with that functionality.
Buying a server to act as a router (eg pihole)
Using custom dns, either self managed on local or remote server, or using a service.
Using a VPN to block similar to above
What have you tried in the router? This is the best way as the router sees all. Have you blocked all of YouTube's URLs/addresses? It has several and you need to block them all.
Even easier to just delete the Youtube app and block installation of new apps
I wouldn't worry about it , the government is taking away that responsibility from parents .
the primary new media-related legislation is the federal Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which comes into effect on December 10, 2025.
Soon you're children won't be yours anymore 💯Not sure why you got all the downvotes, pretty spot on!
"Soon you're children won't be yours anymore"
☝️probably because of this illiterate cooker bull
I'd be shocked if this isn't delayed.
Back in the day I used host file edit
(But apparently from win 10 onwards this is unreliable or outright not compatible)
Move to China.
Or buy the iPad in China as it won't be pre-installed.
Can you be more specific what are you trying to block exactly on youtube? Kids aren't stupid they'll find a way around most ways of blocking apps. Teaching online safety is way better.
they enjoy watching other kids playing roblox or minecraft videos with lot of rubbish commentary.
I mean that isn't that bad. Out of all the things to find on youtube.
It’s true… but a lot of Minecraft streamers are equally as mind rotting as other YouTuber content aimed at kids. We resorted to hiding the YouTube app via the ‘hide’ function and moved both our kids to abc iview - not saying it’s good but at least there’s some educational value and it’s curated content.
They can go for hours brain freeze and rotting away.
Buy a Raspberry Pi and setup Pi-Hole route all your traffic thru that. total control.
I have an eero and i can block apps on each devices and domains pretty easily. Sometimes when my husband pisses me off, i block discord 😂 then he finally stops gaming to try and figure out whats wrong.
Parental control software is probably the easiest but lots of different ways depending how technical you want to get.