This article is written for Google Workspace for Education Administrators.

Introduction

This blog explains why and how to block YouTube video search in Google Workspace to ensure a safe and focused online environment in educational settings. YouTube provides a vast range of appropriate videos that can be accessed through search. Unrestricted access is irrelevant for students which may lead to distractions. 

By managing YouTube search, administrators can promote a controlled environment by reducing the risk of distractions.  It helps students access only approved content, maintaining the focus on learning. Additionally, this blog will explain how xFanatical Safe Doc can help restrict YouTube searches in Google Workspace, allowing teachers to create a secure, distraction-free online learning experience.

xFanatical Safe Doc blocks YouTube search feature in Google Workspace
xFanatical Safe Doc blocks YouTube search feature in Google Workspace

Why Block YouTube Video Search in Google Workspace

In schools, providing a safe and focused learning environment is essential for good education. While YouTube offers informational and educational content, unrestricted video search can lead to distractions and exposure to inappropriate material. By blocking YouTube search, educators can ensure students access only approved content relevant to their curriculum, maintaining focus and safety.

Let’s understand the scenario through a user story:

  • Problem: Ms. Carter, a high school science teacher, wanted to give research using online videos to students. However, she noticed that many students were distracted by unrelated entertaining videos on YouTube. Some students spend their time on watching trending content rather than focusing on the assigned research.
  • Solution: To address the issue, Ms. Carter discussed with the school’s IT administrator to block YouTube search in Google Workspace. After blocking students were focused on their research with approved educational videos. This approach ensured students stayed involved in their research task rather than accessing unrelated content.
  • Result: After blocking YouTube search, Ms. Carter observed improvement in students’ engagement and research quality. Students completed assignments using relevant content and remained focused throughout the project. The change also helped students to develop digital responsibility to use online resources purposefully.

What is a xFanatical Safe Doc?

xFanatical Safe Doc is a comprehensive solution for maintaining a focused and secure online environment for Google Workspace admins and users. It provides robust tools to manage and restrict access to various online content, ensuring a safe and productive digital environment. xFanatical Safe Doc integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, offering administrators the ability to customize content filtering policies according to their needs.

Remove YouTube Search in Google Slides

Google Slides allows users to insert YouTube videos directly into presentations, making it easy to add videos into the slides. This feature is helpful but in the other way it creates distraction among students in educational environments.

At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc becomes an invaluable tool. By implementing the EnableVideoSearch policy, you can remove the YouTube videos feature within Google Slides. Once this policy is disabled, students will not have access to irrelevant YouTube content. This will enhance creativity and encourage students to focus more on learning than spending time on video surfing.
Google Slides showing YouTube restrictions by Safe Doc

Restrict YouTube Search in Google Forms

Google Forms allows users to insert YouTube videos directly into forms. This can be useful for creating interactive quizzes. However, in the educational system, unrestricted YouTube search can cause students to be distracted over the inappropriate videos, compromising the learning process.

At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc will be helpful. The EnableVideoSearch policy of Safe Doc allows you to remove the YouTube search option within Google Forms. The policy can be set to false to restrict students from browsing or inserting random YouTube videos into their research. This helps educators maintain a distraction-free classroom learning and ensures that learning activities stay aligned with academic goals.
YouTube Video Search feature is restricted in Google Forms

Safe Doc restricts the YouTube Video Search from Add feedback screen

Disable YouTube Video Insertion in Google Classroom

Google Classroom enables teachers and students to share YouTube videos into assignments, announcements and class materials. But this feature can lead to loss of students' interest in learning. They can misuse the feature and compromise with academic learning.

xFanatical Safe Doc provides the helping hand in this case. With the EnableVideoSearch policy, administrators can disable the option to insert YouTube videos in Google Classroom. When administrators set this policy to false, teachers and students cannot add videos directly from YouTube. This approach promotes a safe and focused digital classroom environment, minimizing distractions in the classroom.
Disable YouTube Video Search option in Google Classroom

Block YouTube Search Option in Google Site

Google Sites have a built-in YouTube search feature that allows users to embed YouTube videos directly into their websites. The challenge with this feature is, it leads to distractions and misuse of online content. Such content can compromise the professionalism and focus of the classroom.

In this scenario, xFanatical Safe Doc becomes an important tool. By implementing the EnableVideoSearch policy, administrators can remove the YouTube search option in Google Sites. Then, once this policy is set to false, students and staff will not be able to insert random YouTube videos. This helps to maintain a secure and distraction-free online environment across all school-created websites.
YouTube Video Search option is blocked in Google Site

How to Block YouTube Video Search in Google Workspace using xFanatical Safe Doc

Step 1: Install Safe Doc

The first step is to install xFanatical Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. Safe Doc is a browser extension that seamlessly integrates with Google Slides, providing enhanced control and security features.

Step 2: Configure Safe Doc settings: 

Once Safe Doc is installed, you can configure its settings to block YouTube video search in Google Workspace.

Step 3: Access Google Admin Console: 

Now, navigate to the Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices followed by Chrome. Then, select Apps & Extensions and click on Users & Browsers.

Step 4: Review the Policy: 

Locate the policy that you wish to apply and review it. The policy will display in a specific format similar to the example provided below:

Step 5: Save the Policy: 

After reviewing the policy, click the Save button to apply it.

How to configure Safe Doc?

First of all, ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers, and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blocking YouTube search in Google Workspace with xFanatical Safe Doc is a innovative step in maintaining a focused and safe digital learning environment. Moreover, by disabling the ability to search for YouTube videos, teachers can make sure that students access only the approved and relevant content. It minimizes distractions and exposure to inappropriate material. Additionally, this encourages right use of multimedia resources and helps students stay focused on their learnings. With xFanatical Safe Doc, schools can implement this policy, supporting a more controlled, productive and secured online educational experience.

To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website  xFanatical Safe Doc

If you have yet to install Safe Doc, please get a 30 days trial.

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