Is The Royalty Family Safe for Kids to Watch?

Meet Ali Saleh and Andrea Espada, the king and queen (mom and dad) of The Royalty Family. These YouTube creators make videos with their children, Ferran, Milan and Blu. They all live and work together in their big, beautiful Los Angeles home. On-screen, their lifestyle appears family-oriented, lighthearted, and luxurious.

But how real is their portrayal of reality? Moreover, how will watching it affect a kid's perception of their own life?

Not sure whether to allow your kids to watch reality YouTube content like The Royalty Family? You've come to the right place.

Content style and themes

The Royalty Family YouTube channel has a family-friendly focus, making the content suitable for most audiences. But this isn't the channel for relaxing, day-in-the-life content. Their vlog-style videos are often challenges, pranks and skits—all with a dramatic flair.

Psychotherapist Stephanie Wijkstrom says The Royalty Family's content is well-curated for kids. "Their videos are visually attention-grabbing, there are lots of children in them and the characters are all relatable," she says.

The appeal of each video starts with the thumbnail. One or more family members make an exaggerated, open-mouthed facial expression—usually in front of a colourful, extravagant backdrop. The titles are also designed to grab attention. For example:

• "We Found an ALLIGATOR in our Backyard!"
• "We Built a Waterpark Inside Our House!"
• "I Filled My ENTIRE House with Snow Don't Try This"

See what we mean? Don’t tell me you aren’t at least somewhat intrigued—it’s understandable if your kids are too.

Key benefits for young viewers

Child Program Development Officer Theresa Bertuzi says The Royalty Family and similar YouTube channels are intended for lighthearted entertainment rather than education.

"These videos are more about passive watching than active learning," Bertuzi explains. "Kids aren't gaining skills or doing critical thinking." However, she acknowledges that the channel might offer some emotional or social lessons, such as the importance of family.

Wijkstrom notes that The Royalty Family is a blended family. And she highlights the benefits children can gain from exposure to nontraditional family dynamics. Ferran, the eldest son, was born to Andrea and her first husband in 2010. She moved to LA three years later to pursue a career in show business.

"The more blended families kids see, the more that different family dynamics become normalized," she says. According to a 2023 U.S.-based survey, 40 percent of American families are blended.

Communications Strategist Cindy Marie Jenkins says parents can use The Royalty Family to teach their children about YouTube culture. Specifically, how to differentiate real and unfiltered content from planned and scripted content.

Parental considerations and concerns

There is no doubt that watching Ferran try 100 banned Amazon products is entertaining but is it suitable for younger audiences?

Jenkins emphasizes that parents should help their children understand that what they're watching is a performance. "Children won't necessarily think it's scripted because it looks real," she says. "They need to understand that these people are actors—even if they're presenting their real life."

Similarly, Wijkstrom advises parents to remind their children The Royalty Family only shares what they want viewers to see. "There's a lot happening behind the scenes that children don’t see, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or that their own lives are missing something," she says. "I always tell people: don't compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel."

Both experts also note that watching this kind of content might inspire kids to become creators themselves. "YouTube feels much closer to a child's life than traditional TV shows," says Jenkins. "They can pick up a phone and take videos too." She says this can create unrealistic expectations about money and what it takes to earn it.

Wijkstrom compares trying to become a content creator to getting drafted for the NFL. "A lot of people want to do it, but for many, it’s unlikely to happen. Parents need to help their kids develop realistic expectations."

Engaging in conversations about content creation

Of course, no matter what you tell your kids, they may still aim to become YouTube celebs. If your child is interested in content creation, discuss how to do so safely and responsibly.

Wijkstrom stresses the importance of teaching children about online privacy before they put themselves in the public eye. "It can be such a slippery slope," she says. "Kids aren't able to fully understand the ramifications of creating content and the kinds of people they may be exposing themselves to."

If you allow your child to create content, Wijkstrom recommends taking safety precautions. "Maybe don’t let them use their actual names or ensure that software is in place to prevent people from tracking your home location."

For safety reasons, YouTube does not allow users under 13 to create accounts and those under 18 need parental permission.

Other channels for children

While The Royalty Family may entertain children, it should be balanced with educational YouTube content. Bertuzi recommends YouTube channels such as Nat Geo Kids for animal lovers, Sea & Me for future marine biologists, and Sick Science for fun experiments. For older kids, 3Blue1Brown teaches math through visuals, while Indigo Traveller explores global cultures.

Wijkstrom suggests Arts for Kids Hub, Mark Rober, SciShow Kids, Kid President, and Storyline Online.

The Royalty Family FAQs

1. What age is Royalty Family suitable for?

Wijkstrom says The Royalty Family is appropriate for children eight and up, provided parental controls are in place. This could mean setting up videos for them or watching together. She adds, "Every child should be evaluated based on their cognitive, social, and emotional understanding." For children under 13, YouTube Kids is a safer option.

2. How much time watching The Royalty Family is too much?

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends limiting recreational screen time for children over five to less than two hours a day. Since The Royalty Family’s videos aren’t educational, they should be balanced with more enriching content. If your child watches daily, limiting their viewing to one or two videos (typically 15 to 35 minutes each) is advisable.

3. What are the most popular Royalty Family videos?

With over 770 videos on their channel, The Royalty Family has a seemingly endless amount of content for your kid to indulge in. However, some videos have gained more traction. Here are The Royalty Family's most popular videos (not including music videos):

1. Going Back to KINDERGARTEN For a Day! *CHALLENGE* (74M views)

2. We ADOPTED a GIRL, But Our SON Gets JEALOUS! ft/ Jordan Matter (72M views)

3. EATING Only ONE COLOR of FOOD For 24 Hours CHALLENGE! (64M views)

4. What are some fun facts about The Royalty Family?

• The family began their YouTube channel in 2017
• The channel has nearly 29 million subscribers
• The family has a French Bulldog named Gucci (who makes an appearance in videos, too!)
• Some of the channel's videos have up to 6 billion views!
• Andrea is a former TV host for UFC and is a practiced DJ