YouTube’s new safety rule: Teens must be at least 16 to livestream alone

YouTube has announced a major policy change aimed at strengthening safety for young users: from 22 July 2025, only users aged 16 and above will be allowed to livestream alone on the platform. The decision marks a significant shift from the previous threshold of 13 and comes amid growing global concerns over the exposure and vulnerability of teenagers on social media.

Under the updated policy, creators aged 13 to 15 will still be able to appear in livestreams, but only if an adult is visibly present throughout the broadcast. This adult must also be formally added to the channel—either as an editor, manager, or owner and must initiate the livestream on the minor’s behalf. YouTube has warned that failure to comply with the new rules could result in penalties such as muted live chats, disabled comments, loss of livestreaming privileges, or even removal of the stream entirely.

The platform explained that livestreaming carries unique risks due to its unscripted and real-time nature. By raising the minimum age for solo streaming, YouTube hopes to provide a safer environment for young users while still allowing creative collaboration under adult supervision. In an official statement, the company said:

“We want to help protect teens and their digital experiences. Because livestreaming can be more risky depending on who’s participating, we’re updating our protections for teens.”

YouTube also noted that the move aligns with broader efforts to make the platform more age-appropriate and limit the potential for exploitation and harmful interactions. The change comes as regulators worldwide are increasingly scrutinising how digital platforms handle youth safety. In Australia, for instance, lawmakers are considering a ban on social media access for under-16s unless strong age-verification systems are in place. In the UK, the Online Safety Act is already pushing platforms to take greater responsibility for shielding young users.

Reactions to YouTube’s announcement have been mixed. Many have praised the update as a welcome step towards safer digital spaces for children. However, others questioned how effectively the policy will be enforced, with some users pointing out that age restrictions can be easily bypassed. On Reddit and other forums, some even suggested the age limit should be raised further to 18, citing concerns over the unpredictable nature of live interactions.

Despite the debate, YouTube’s decision reflects a growing consensus within the tech industry: that the freedom to create must come with meaningful safeguards especially when younger audiences are involved. As livestreaming continues to surge in popularity, platforms are under mounting pressure to evolve their safety standards to meet both user needs and public scrutiny.

Sci/Tech