YouTube Co-Founder Steve Chen Urges Safeguards for Kids on Short-Form Videos

Steve Chen, co-founder of YouTube and former chief technology officer, has publicly criticized the impact of short-form video content on children, urging for safeguards to mitigate potential risks. In a recent talk at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Chen highlighted his personal efforts to prevent his children from exclusively consuming short-form content, arguing that such media “equates to shorter attention spans.” His remarks, published on YouTube, align with broader concerns about how platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts prioritize rapid, visually stimulating content that may hinder deep focus. Chen also emphasized the need for companies distributing short-form video to implement age restrictions and time limits, calling for a balance between monetization and creating “actually useful” content [1].

Chen’s critique reflects a growing unease among tech leaders about the societal effects of algorithm-driven platforms. He specifically noted how the rise of TikTok has prompted many companies to rush into short-form content, creating a tension between engagement metrics and user well-being. His personal strategy involves limiting his children’s exposure to short-form media, advocating for early exposure to longer-form content to foster sustained attention. “If they don’t get exposure to the short-form content right away, then they’re still happy with that other type of content,” he explained, referencing parents who enforce similar restrictions [1].

The co-founder’s warnings intersect with a broader industry dialogue about digital well-being. While platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok emphasize accessibility and creativity, critics argue that their design—marked by infinite scrolling and autoplay—normalizes fragmented attention. Chen’s perspective is echoed by figures such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Elon Musk, who have also raised alarms about social media’s influence on children’s cognitive development. Altman previously described short-form content as a “dopamine hit” that could “mess with kids’ brain development,” while Musk acknowledged his own potential missteps in managing his children’s social media use and encouraged parental oversight [1].

The debate underscores a complex challenge for tech companies: balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. Chen’s background as a YouTube co-founder adds weight to his critique, as the platform he helped build now competes in a market dominated by short-form content. His call for safeguards, such as age-based restrictions and usage limits, reflects a precautionary approach that contrasts with the current market’s focus on user growth. While proponents argue that short-form media offers educational and creative value, the lack of concrete data on its long-term effects leaves room for speculation. Chen’s remarks, however, highlight the need for proactive measures rather than reactive solutions.

The industry’s response to such concerns remains mixed. While some platforms have introduced screen-time management tools, the dominance of short-form content suggests that engagement metrics still drive product design. Chen’s advocacy for a more deliberate approach to digital consumption aligns with increasing public and regulatory interest in online safety. Yet, without clear guidelines or enforceable standards, the responsibility often falls on individual users and parents. His personal stance—both as a parent and a tech pioneer—serves as a reminder of the unintended consequences that even well-intentioned innovations can have.

Sources:

[1] Fortune, YouTube’s cofounder and former tech boss doesn’t want his kids to watch short videos... https://fortune.com/2025/07/29/youtube-cofounder-steve-chen-short-form-video-tiktok-kid-safety/