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Denton ISD implements YouTube access guidelines aligned to both instructional priorities and SCOPE Act (HB 18) considerations. Key reasons for this decision:
To prioritize instructional use of video content across classrooms
To minimize distractions and exposure to non-educational content, especially in younger grade bands
To comply with SCOPE Act guidance to consider age-appropriate restrictions on social media websites (YouTube meets the law’s definition of a digital service with social features)
🚩Access by Level
Elementary and Middle School
Student access to YouTube will be restricted. Students will only be able to view videos that have been curated and approved through Lightspeed’s SmartPlay tool, which filters out non-instructional content by default. With this, students can access YouTube through direct, approved links.
High School
General YouTube access will remain in place with current filters and monitoring protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is YouTube being restricted for elementary & middle school students?
Why is YouTube being restricted for elementary & middle school students?
To support focused, purposeful instruction and minimize distractions. The SCOPE Act also requires districts to consider age-appropriate restrictions on platforms like YouTube that function as social media and collect personal data.
Can teachers still show YouTube videos in class?
Can teachers still show YouTube videos in class?
Yes. Teachers at all grade levels can continue to use YouTube for instructional purposes. SmartPlay allows teachers to request or curate specific videos for student viewing, and teachers can show videos directly during lessons from their accounts and devices.
If you'd like to request a video be unblocked, please submit a Heat Ticket!
What are other video streaming tools you would reccomend?
What are other video streaming tools you would reccomend?
Discovery Education is a trusted platform filled with curriculum-aligned videos, interactives, and instructional resources for all grade levels. It’s a great alternative to YouTube for safe, ad-free streaming in the classroom.
Learn more about Discovery Education!
Can I block YouTube during my class even if students have access?
Can I block YouTube during my class even if students have access?
Yes. With Lightspeed Classroom, teachers can block YouTube access during class sessions — even for high school students — giving you control over when and how students access video content.
Learn more about Lightspeed Classroom!
my Youtube Videos won't play in Google Slides
my Youtube Videos won't play in Google Slides
If a YouTube video works on its own but shows as “blocked” or gives an error in Google Slides, the video itself usually isn’t the problem.
When you insert a video using Insert → Video in Google Slides, the link is automatically changed behind the scenes. Google converts it into a different version of the YouTube link (a “proxy” link). Because of this change, school filters like Lightspeed may not recognize the video the same way—even if the original video is allowed—so it can appear blocked.
What works better:
Instead of embedding the video, add it as a regular link (hyperlink) on your slide or in your learning platform. This keeps the original YouTube link intact, so it’s more likely to play correctly for students.
If you’re unsure whether a video will work, you can also check the link using the Lightspeed AccessScan extension to see if it’s accessible for your students.
How do I create a Youtube Playlist?
How do I create a Youtube Playlist?
How do I upload Videos to my Youtube Channel?
How do I upload Videos to my Youtube Channel?
Sign in to YouTube Studio.
In the top-right corner, click CREATE Upload videos .
Select the file you’d like to upload.
You can upload up to 15 videos at a time.
Be sure to click Edit on each file to edit your video details.
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