Connecticut schools tightening YouTube policies after issues with elementary students 

As more Connecticut public-school teachers use video-based educational resources and instruction, districts are struggling to balance technological considerations with student safety.

“Policies vary from district to district,” CTInsider.com explains, “with some banning certain grades from accessing YouTube completely, to others restricting what content specific age groups can view.” 

For example, Greenwich Public Schools recently blocked YouTube access for all elementary students on school-issued devices, citing issues with its content in the classroom. 

The restriction came in response to students watching videos “not necessary for learning grade level content,” according to Superintendent Toni Jones. 

“Principals and parents had been asking for us to turn it off, as it is not necessary for learning in pre-K-5,” she said. 

The district serves more than 8,000 students in 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. 

‘Nearly impossible’ for schools to ban all YouTube access 

The Southington Public Schools district near the central part of the state, which serves more than 6,000 students, has taken a different approach to GPS. 

Students in all grades can view YouTube content approved for ages 13 and under, while teachers wanting to show videos with a different age restriction must obtain administrative approval. 

“It would be nearly impossible to replace all of those videos, especially when most of the resources would have a cost associated,” said Superintendent Steven Madancy. 

“Teachers in all content areas rely heavily on YouTube videos as part of their curriculum.” 

Over the years, Google has changed its YouTube policies regarding which videos can be screened in classrooms. 

“We occasionally hear some teacher frustration that things aren’t as easy as they once were, or wish they could be,” said Natalie Carrignan, technology director for Westport Public Schools. The district enrolls over 5,000 students across eight schools. 

“However, no instructional leader has reported that teachers are unable to deliver instruction or meet curricular objectives.” 

Because of technological updates, Google has confirmed teachers may “insert a YouTube link directly into a Google Classroom assignment, and students will only see that specific video,” Carrignan said. 

“Alternatively, teachers can embed the video directly into Google Slides and set the permissions so students can only view that content.” 

In the upcoming 2025-26 school year, Southington will encourage its technology and curriculum departments to work together for an enhanced YouTube policy, according to Madancy. 

This collaboration will help the district “find a balance,” he said, “between curricular resources and protecting student online activity.”