YouTube Will Be Blocked on Elementary Student Devices Starting June 30

In conversations with teachers, in emails to principals, and in outreach to district staff, many of our families have shared concerns about elementary students accessing YouTube on their school-issued devices at school and at home. Families have described it as a distraction and difficult to manage.

In response, the district surveyed nearly 400 PreK–5 staff this spring, and 85% supported blocking PreK-5 student access to YouTube. The concerns raised by our families align with what our educators are experiencing every day in classrooms.

Beginning June 30, 2026, YouTube will be blocked for PreK–5 students on all Northshore School District-issued Chromebooks and iPads. This applies both during the school day and when your child uses their device at home.

What you can expect:

• Students will no longer be able to browse or search YouTube on their district device.
• If a teacher assigns a specific educational video, students will still be able to view it through the tools teachers use (such as Seesaw or EdPuzzle). Teachers remain in control of what video content students access.
• Teachers will continue to use YouTube for classroom instruction when they choose to.

Why June 30?

We are giving our teaching staff time to prepare and adjust their instructional materials before the new school year. 

What about family choice?

We believe decisions about YouTube access at home belong to you. Our district devices are for learning. This change returns that boundary to where it belongs: the device supports schoolwork, and your family sets the rules for everything else.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your school. We are grateful for your partnership in supporting your child’s learning.