Google will be making a major policy change on who will be allowed to stream on YouTube, which will affect a lot of young people. As of July 22, new guidelines state that the minimum age required to livestream will be raised to 16.

Currently, YouTube allows teens aged 13 and above to stream solo, as is also the case with Twitch. However, the new rules (via Insider Gaming) will mean that creators will need to be 16 years or older to livestream on the platform. Children between the ages of 13-15 will still be allowed to appear on a livestream but the policy states that they must be “visibly accompanied by an adult” or else their live chat will be disabled and their account “may temporarily lose access to live chat or other features.”

These new measures may impact young creators trying to build an online following without the intrusion of parental supervision, but it’s also a sign that YouTube is prioritising online safety for children. The policy is also only regarding livestreaming, so there does not currently appear to be any new age restriction when it comes to posting pre-recorded videos.

Earlier this year, Roblox also placed new restrictions on its youngest users by restricting kids under 13 from accessing unrated experiences or social hangouts, following repeated accusations that the platform was failing to protect children from would-be predators.

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