What should parents know about Netflix?
Netflix is the most popular online streaming services globally, with more than 170 million subscribers. It is also increasingly becoming popular as it can viewed anytime, anywhere, be it on smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktops, online or offline (downloaded content). However, with this increasing popularity, the need for ensuring safer online experiences, especially for kids, has become imperative. That is why, over the last few months, Netflix has upgraded its parental control features. Here’s everything parents need to know.
Netflix Kids: What is it?
Netflix has a custom-made kid-friendly profile named Netflix Kids that has wide array of age-appropriate shows from Harry Potter to new Lego movies. The browsing system is very easy where kids can search for their favourite characters, TV shows or films. From toddlers to high-school teenagers, Netflix offers varieties of shows for youngsters of all age. However, with so many options available, parents often worry that their kids might come upon something inappropriate. This is where Netflix’s parental control feature comes in, that allows parents to customize the content their children will have access to.
Netflix parental guidance
The Kids version of Netflix India uses regular rating system: All (suitable for all age groups), PG (customized content set by parents), 7+, 13+,16+ and 18+. This helps parents determine which content is suitable for their youngsters and which isn’t. The good news is, the Kid profile already comes with a default setting of PG (Parental Guidance). However, there’s an alternate method as well.
- Sign in to your Netflix Account and select “Accounts” option from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner.
- Choose the “Profile and Parental Controls” option and customize it accordingly.
- Click on “Viewer Restrictions” and adjust the slider to set your limit (anything in between All and 18+) and click on “Save.”
Safety features on Netflix
Other than the age ratings, Netflix also has two other important safety features parents can use to ensure secure screening experience for their kids. They are:
Profile lock: This feature comes handy to protect kids from stumbling upon adult content. All you need to do is click on “Accounts” option, then click on “Profile Lock” and then set a four-digit pin and hit on “Save.” All you need to do next is to share the pin with your kid who can then enjoy their favourite shows on Netflix. Make sure to also pin protect your own profile, so that your child is unable to access unsuitable adult content on it.
Title restrictions: This is a useful feature that allows parents to prevent their child’s access to specific shows and films. All they need to do is restrict such content from appearing on the child’s feed/profile. So, even if the youngsters are within the allowed age rating bracket, they will not be able to see the restricted content. Simply click on “Accounts” option and select “Title restrictions” under it. Here all you need to do is type out the names of the shows and then keep hitting “Save.” This is how you can protect your kids from coming upon things they might have an unwanted reaction to.