Much like YouTube, Netflix is a great place to find quality entertainment for kids. (Hello, Carmen Sandiegoreboot!) But without the right settings, Netflix can expose your child to inappropriate content and even potential interactions with strangers.
Fortunately, Netflix parental controls give you a way to monitor your child’s viewing and reduce those risks. Here’s what you need to know about how to make Netflix safe for your child.
What are the risks of Netflix for kids?
Even though Netflix is packed with great content, it also comes with potential risks:
Inappropriate content. When kids have unrestricted access to Netflix, it’s relatively easy for them to be exposed to age-inappropriate content, including graphic violence, adult language, and sex. The chances of this go up if they use a shared login with an adult because the algorithm will feed them suggested viewing material geared toward adults.
Passive screen time. Who among us hasn’t looked up and realized we’ve just binge-watched three hours of our favorite show? Netflix’s autoplay feature makes it super easy to go overboard with screen time. While active screen time comes with a variety of benefits, Netflix viewing is generally considered passive screen time, too much of which can negatively impact kids.
Wondering how to set up Netflix parental controls? Here are some steps you can take:
1. Set up a Kids profile
It might seem easier to let your child use your Netflix profile, but adult profiles don’t have the same protections for kids. A Kids profile is ideal for kids ages 12 and under. Netflix Kids filters content, allows you to use parental controls, and disables access to Netflix Games.
2. Use Netflix parental controls
Once their Kids profile is created, you can:
Set content maturity ratings
Block specific shows or movies
Turn off autoplay
View your child’s watch history
3. Help your teen make appropriate viewing choices
Netflix Kids profiles cap out at PG, so it’s appropriate for most teens to transition to a regular profile. Without parental controls, there are still steps you can take to help them view safely:
Have them use their own login. Even though they’re not on a Kids profile, giving your teen their own login makes it easier to monitor their viewing.
Discuss what’s appropriate. Have an open conversation about their maturity level and what kinds of shows are and aren’t okay for them to watch.
Monitor their viewing. Keep tabs on what they watch by periodically checking in on what they’re viewing, occasionally watching shows together, and using a monitoring service like BrightCanary to see what they’ve searched for.
How do I set up Netflix parental controls?
Follow these steps to set parental controls on Netflix:
Create a Kids profile
Go to your Manage Profiles page.
Choose Add Profile.
Add a name to the profile.
Select For Kids, Kids Profile, or Kid? depending on your device.
Select Continue.
Set a maturity rating
Select your child’s profile.
Select Viewing Restrictions.
Select Maturity Rating.
Enter your Netflix account password.
Set the Maturity Rating (TV-Y, TV-Y7, G, TV-G, PG, TV-PG).
Block shows you don’t want your child to access on Netflix
Select your child’s profile.
Select Viewing Restrictions.
Enter your Netflix password if using a web browser.
Select Block Titles if using a mobile device and Title Restrictionsif using a web browser.
Type the name of the TV show or movie you wish to block.
Select the TV show or movie to add it to your blocked list.
Select Save if using a web browser.
Turn off autoplay on your child’s Netflix profile
Select your child’s profile.
Turn off Autoplay Next Episode.
Select Done if using a mobile device and Save if using a web browser.
See your child’s viewing history
Select your child’s profile.
Open Viewing Activity.
If you see a limited list, click on the Show More button.
For additional information on how to use Netflix parental controls, visit thisguide.
Final thoughts
Netflix is a great resource for child-friendly shows if you take appropriate steps to make your child’s viewing experience safe, such as setting up a Kids profile, using parental controls, and monitoring your child’s viewing.
BrightCanary helps parents monitor what their kids search on popular platforms, including streaming services like Netflix, as well as social media, text messages, and internet browsers. Download BrightCanary today to get started for free.
