When a kid watches YouTube alone, they are in a passive loop. The algorithm feeds them what it thinks they want, and they just consume. When you sit next to them, you become a "media mediator."

Research shows that when parents engage with their kids during screen time, children have higher levels of reading comprehension, better emotional regulation, and—most importantly—they start to develop a "BS detector" for the content they see. You’re teaching them how to process the digital world instead of just letting it wash over them.

YouTube is the Wild West. One minute they’re watching a NASA engineer build a glitter bomb, and the next they’re watching a 10-minute video of someone opening "surprise eggs" with a high-pitched voiceover that makes you want to move to a cabin in the woods.

If you haven't introduced your kids to Mark Rober yet, do it today. He’s a former NASA engineer who makes science genuinely cool without being "teacher-y." This is the gold standard for co-viewing. You’ll actually learn something about fluid dynamics while he builds a giant Jello pool. It sparks conversations about persistence, engineering, and why science matters.

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Skibidi Toilet is often cited as the pinnacle of "brain rot." It’s weird, it’s loud, and it makes zero sense to anyone over the age of 15. But here’s the thing: kids love the lore. If you sit down and watch a few episodes (they’re short, I promise), you can ask, "Who are the Camera Heads? Why are they fighting?" Suddenly, you aren't the "uncool" parent who hates their stuff; you’re someone who understands the plot. It takes the "forbidden fruit" power away from the weirdness.

Learn more about what "brain rot" actually means for your kid's attention span

Netflix is great for binging, but it can also be a black hole of low-quality animation. You know the ones—shows where the characters scream every line and the plot is non-existent. Skip the filler and go for shows that have actual meat on their bones.

Ages 7+. This is from the head writer of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and it’s spectacular. It deals with complex themes like war, family loyalty, and disability, all wrapped in a high-fantasy adventure. This is a show you will actually want to watch. It’s perfect for co-viewing because the cliffhangers lead to great "What do you think will happen next?" conversations.

Ages 5+. This is the ultimate "low stakes, high engagement" family show. It’s literally just people making cakes that look like sewing machines or handbags. It’s silly, it’s impressive, and it’s a great way to spend 20 minutes together without having to explain a complex plot.

Check out our guide on the best Netflix shows that parents won't hate

About 75% of kids in elementary and middle school are on Roblox. If you think it’s just one game, think again—it’s a platform with millions of games. Some are great, some are just "pay-to-win" scams designed to drain your bank account of Robux.

Commonly called "DTI," this is currently huge. Kids get a theme (like "Dark Coquette" or "First Day of School") and have to dress their avatar accordingly. Sitting with them while they play is a great way to talk about fashion, creativity, and—honestly—how to handle the sometimes-salty comments from other players in the chat.

If you haven't played Minecraft with your kid, you’re missing out on a major bonding opportunity. Let them be the teacher. Ask them to show you how to build a house or find diamonds. It flips the power dynamic and gives them a sense of mastery. Plus, you can talk about resource management and planning.

Ask our chatbot for tips on how to set up a private Minecraft server for your family

The quickest way to end a co-viewing session is to start lecturing. Instead of "This show is teaching you bad manners," try these:

Co-viewing isn't about watching every single thing your kid consumes—you have a life, and frankly, some of this stuff is unwatchable. It’s about finding anchor points.

Pick one YouTube channel, one Netflix show, or one game that you do together. It transforms the screen from a wall that separates you into a window where you can see how your child thinks, what makes them laugh, and what they’re curious about.

Digital wellness isn't just about the "off" switch; it's about what happens when the screen is "on."

Learn more about navigating social media with your tween Ask our chatbot for a co-viewing "contract" to help set family expectations