by Caroline Kerr

10 awesome YouTube channels for boys

Sick of censoring your son’s internet surfing? Rethink entertainment for boys with mild Minecraft tips, scientific exploration, male bonding, and random fun on YouTube.

From the looks of most boy-targeted media, you’d think young men are only about violence, explosions, and hiding their feelings. While plenty of websites serve up the same old tired ideas, your boys can find better content on YouTube – and research shows that many do.

Until YouTube’s app for kids catches on, the original video-sharing channel known for its outrageous, crazy, and who-knows-what content is also a great place to find educational, enriching, and just plain fun videos that turn the stereotype of male entertainment on its ear.

What makes great viewing for boys?

  • shows with male role models who demonstrate respectful relationships to men and women
  • game tutorials that emphasise creativity and exploration over violence
  • scientific discovery that says it’s OK to not always have the right answer.

Of course, boys don’t have to stick to so-called ‘boy’ videos. But if you’re looking to expand your son’s horizons and offer entertainment that goes beyond the status quo, here are 10 great picks. 

 

1. Stampy 
Narrated by a British cartoon cat, this Minecraft channel demonstrates the kinder, gentler side of the popular game with a host of colorful characters, playful worlds, and easy-to-follow tutorials.
Best for: younger boys.

Picture of Stampy website


 

2. Jeremy Shafer Origami
How-tos on a huge variety of cool origami projects – from vampire mouths to boomerangs to ninja stars – will appeal to anyone who loves to fold paper and watch it fly.
Best for: younger boys.


 

3. Coma Niddy  
From poo to pollution, no topic is off-limits for Coma Niddy (aka Mike Wilson), whose science raps, jokes, skits and more teach kids about the world in way they’ll remember.
Best for: older boys and tweens.


 

4. Flippycat
These epic domino set-ups featuring elaborate designs are cool to watch but also demonstrate the importance of grit and determination. There are several ‘fail’ videos showing how much work it takes to get the domino set ups just right.
Best for: all ages.


 

5. Vsauce 
Is cereal soup? How do guns behave in space? Why do we kiss? The answer to these and other scientific, philosophical, and technological inquiries can be found on this eclectic educational channel hosted by internet personality Michael Stevens. Best for: all ages.

vsauce_05


 

6. Live Fast. Die Poor  
Hosted by a former rock band from Southern California, this channel celebrates the weird, random, and extraordinary ordinariness of the world around us (mostly in Southern California) and the idea that hard work, grit, and determination pay off in the end.
Best for: all ages.


 

7. Good Mythical Morning  
With their friendly banter, silly skits, and amusing challenges, the two male hosts of this show (Rhett and Link) entertain without being edgy.
Best for: older kids and tweens.


 

8. Vlogbrothers
With their motto, “Raising nerdy to the power of awesome,” author John Green and his brother Hank offer thoughts, analysis, and lessons on a wide variety of topics that boys would enjoy, such as fart facts and how to make a girl like you. Best for: tweens and teens.

vlog_08


 

9. Dude Perfect
This wholesome group of five friends promotes the concept of goal-setting and achieving your life dreams. Through skits and athletic scenarios, they exude a contagious positive outlook and help redefine what it means to be a man.
Best for: tweens and teens.


 

10. Niga-Higa
Host Ryan Higa injects humor, insight, and thought-provoking ideas into his song parodies, creative skits, and social commentary.
Best for: tweens and teens.

niga_higa_10


 

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School

 

Caroline Kerr Senior Parenting Editor for Common Sense media This article is about