Gender Biases and Stereotyping in Children’s Videos: A Study on 100 Popular Kids Channels on YouTube
By Sumeet Kumar, Khudabukhsh
Citation
Kumar, Sumeet., Khudabukhsh. (2025). Gender Biases and Stereotyping in Children’s Videos: A Study on 100 Popular Kids Channels on YouTube .
Copyright
2025
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Abstract
The initial years of a child's life play a crucial role in gender development, establishing the foundation for subsequent experiences and choices. As a predominant platform for children, YouTube has substantial influence over how young males and females perceive and engage with the world. This research investigates the prevalence of social biases and stereotyping in children's videos across the top 100 popular YouTube Kids (YTK) channels, encompassing over 48,000 videos. Using video transcripts and video picture frames, we examine gender stereotypes in both language and visuals. Popular language-based gender bias estimation methods, including the Word Embedding Association Test (WEAT), reveal distinct gender biases in occupations children aspire to and core educational subjects like mathematics and science. Videos from non-animated YTK channels exhibit stronger correlations with societal biases than animated videos. Within the visual medium, we again identify significant gender disparities, with women underrepresented in videos discussing many occupations. Color-related stereotyping manifests in females' predominance in `pink' attire, and gender stereotyping extends to emotional expressions, with females smiling more often than males. The experience of gender stereotyping and sexism is known to affect the development of children's abilities and preferences. Therefore, the study's findings raise important concerns, highlighting a need for more regulations in creating and recommending kids' content.

Sumeet Kumar is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at the Indian School of Business (ISB). He studies problems at the intersection of technology and society. He is interested in analysing user behaviour, quantifying polarisation on online forums , and finding advertisements disguised as regular content on online platforms. His current focus is on identifying implicit or hidden advertisements in videos posted on children’s platforms such as YouTube Kids.

Additionally, Professor Kumar has conducted research in software design and development, with particular emphasis on user experience. He has investigated the use of mobile phone sensors during emergencies to improve situational awareness. His study on the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) service in the United States addressed several issues of critical importance to emergency alerts effectiveness and adoption. Notably, some of his research recommendations was included in the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed changes to WEA.

He completed his undergraduate education at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. He holds two Master’s degrees—in Software Engineering and in Machine Learning--both from Carnegie Mellon University, where he also earned his doctorate degree.

Sumeet Kumar
Sumeet Kumar