Netflix Parental Controls: A Guide for Safer Streaming
Over the years, streaming platforms like Netflix have taken over traditional cable, meaning parents have more control over what types of shows and movies their children can watch. With Netflix parental controls, parents can set limitations on what their kids stream and avoid inappropriate content from popping up on the television.
Contents:
- What Can Netflix Parental Controls Do?
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Parental Controls on Netflix
- What Netflix Parental Controls Can’t Do
- How to Go Beyond Netflix: Use an App Like Kids360
- Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Streaming Habits
- FAQs
What Can Netflix Parental Controls Do?
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Netflix offers a variety of parental controls to ensure kids have a safe viewing experience.
Kids Profile
Parents can create individual profiles for family members, including a user profile specifically for kids. These kid profiles are meant for children ages 12 and younger. They come already set with content restrictions to present shows and movies that are appropriate for young children.
This is a great feature parents can use if they want to ensure their kids are not exposed to inappropriate content while searching Netflix’s library.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on Netflix allow you to designate what content is suitable for your child by setting maturity ratings. This can help parents filter out content intended for an older audience.
By navigating to account settings, you can adjust the maturity rating for each profile. These controls are essential when your child is transitioning between age groups or if you’re introducing them to streaming.
Consistently using age restrictions ensures your child is viewing content that is appropriate for their developmental stage. It’s especially critical when you know your child might be curious about shows geared towards teens or adults.
Viewing History
Netflix viewing history lets parents see what their kids watch, helping them tailor content to family values. By regularly checking viewing history, parents can better understand their child’s preferences and ensure inappropriate content hasn’t slipped through.
Profile Lock with PIN
With Netflix Profile Lock, parents can secure adult profiles by setting a 4-digit PIN. This feature prevents children from accessing adult content or changing their account settings, adding an extra layer of protection.
Title Restrictions
Parents can take control of their children’s Netflix experience by manually restricting specific shows or movies. By using the Title Restrictions feature, you have the power to block individual titles that you consider unsuitable for your kids.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Parental Controls on Netflix
Setting up a kid’s profile & parental controls on Netflix is super easy, especially when you follow these steps.
Create and Customize a Kids Profile
Setting up a dedicated kids profile on your Netflix account allows you to set controls over the maturity rating of the content that is shown on their profile.
To set it up, go to the profile selection screen and select Add Profile. This will create a new user profile.
Set Maturity Rating Level
In the profile setting options of the kid’s profile, you can set the maturity level of the content you want shown on your kid’s account.
To set these content restrictions, follow these steps:
- Go to My Netflix in the bottom right corner of the app.
- Click on the menu in the top right corner.
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- Select Manage Profiles.
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- Choose the kid’s profile icon you’d like to edit.
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- Click Viewing Restrictions and then Maturity Rating.
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- Enter your Netflix password and set the desired age ratings
Add or Remove Specific Titles
Sometimes, there are certain shows or movies that you do not want your kid to see yet, even if the age rating is in line with their profile settings options.
To add or remove specific titles from a kid’s profile:
- Go to Manage Profiles.
- Select your kid’s profile icon.
- Tap Viewing Restrictions.
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- Go to Block Titles.
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- Select the shows and movies you would like to remove.
- To remove a title from the list, simply tap Edit and select the X.
Set a Profile Lock
Parents can use a PIN lock to keep kids from creating new accounts or updating a user profile & parental controls. This means they cannot add additional profiles without parental controls.
To do this, you must first set a Profile Lock PIN on the main user’s account:
- Go to My Netflix in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the Menu button at the top right.
- Go to Manage Profiles.
- Choose your profile.
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- Tap Profile Lock to add your PIN.
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- Go to Create a Profile Lock and enter your password.
- Choose your 4-digit PIN to use.
Next, you can choose what features you would like the PIN to protect on your Netflix account. To do this:
- Open Netflix on a web browser.
- Select Profiles and select your account.
- Click Profile Lock and enter your password.
- Select Require PIN to add new profiles and then Save.
View and Manage Viewing History
Parents can see what their kids have been watching on Netflix by checking their profile’s viewing history. This feature gives parents peace of mind that their content restrictions are working.
To view your child’s watch history:
- Open Netflix on a web browser.
- Choose your child’s profile icon.
- Click Viewing Activity.
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Turning Off Autoplay
After a show or movie ends on Netflix, the platform automatically plays previews of other similar content. However, parents will likely want to turn this off for their kids’ profiles to ensure they only see age-appropriate content.
To turn off autoplay on Netflix:
- Go to My Netflix in the bottom right.
- Click on Menu.
- Tap Manage Profiles.
- Select the profile icon you want to edit.
- Switch the toggle next to Autoplay Previews to turn it on or off.
- Tap Done in the top right corner.
Read also Illegal Streaming Sites Your Child May Be Using.
What Netflix Parental Controls Can’t Do
While there are content restrictions on Netflix, it does not offer a complete parental control solution.
No Daily Screen Time Limits
The average 10-year-old spends six hours a day in front of a screen, whether that’s a computer, phone, or television. It’s important for kids to focus on limiting their screen time.
Unfortunately, Netflix parental controls do not allow time limits for how long children can spend streaming shows.
No Schedule Setting
Many parents like to practice a “no screens before bed” rule to ensure their children get quality sleep. However, Netflix does not allow parents to set a schedule for when their children can and cannot access the app to stream shows and movies.
No Control Over Switching Profiles
While there is no control over switching to different profiles on Netflix, parents can set a PIN to access the adult profiles, preventing kids from accessing content that is above their maturity level.
No Real-Time Alerts for Parents
If a child accesses an inappropriate show or movie on Netflix, parents are not notified. Instead, the only way to see this is by checking the Viewing History on their kid’s profile.
No Device Restriction
Going back to add screen time limits, it is not possible to limit access on certain devices to Netflix. The only way parents can ensure their children aren’t accessing Netflix on their phones or tablets is by signing out of their account or deleting the app.
How to Go Beyond Netflix: Use an App Like Kids360
The Kids360 app
While Netflix does offer helpful parental controls—like content restrictions, profile locks, and viewing history—its tools are limited to what happens within the platform. For a more complete picture of your child’s screen habits and stronger digital boundaries, a third-party app like Kids360 can be a game-changer.
Kids360 gives parents broader visibility and control over how children use their devices, not just what they watch on Netflix. With Kids360, you can:
- Track how much time your child spends on Netflix and other apps, all in one place.
- Set daily screen time limits for specific apps, including streaming platforms, games, and social media.
- Block access to apps entirely during school hours, homework time, or bedtime.
- Encourage healthier screen habits through routines and digital wellbeing tools.
Unlike platform-specific settings, Kids360 works across all apps and usage patterns, helping you manage not just what your child watches, but how, when, and how much. And it’s designed to support your parenting style—whether you’re aiming to gradually teach self-regulation or need to set firm digital boundaries.
Want to go beyond Netflix and take charge of your child’s screen time? Try Kids360 today and build a safer, smarter streaming routine for your family.
Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Streaming Habits
Establishing age-appropriate viewing rules is crucial for your child’s safety online. Discuss with your child what shows and movies are suitable for their age. Encourage them to check with you if they’re unsure about any content.
Co-watching Netflix with your kids can be a great bonding experience. It’s an opportunity to discuss themes and content directly and address any questions they might have. Use this time to teach your kids how to recognize inappropriate content, such as violence or mature themes, and explain why it might not be suitable for them.
Balancing streaming with other activities is key to a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your children to take breaks, engage in physical activities, or enjoy other hobbies. You can set a schedule where TV time is followed by playing outside, reading a book, or pursuing a creative project.
Protect Your Kids Online with Netflix Parental Controls and Kids360
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Nowadays, parents have to protect their kids from more than just the physical world, but also online. Setting up Netflix parental controls and installing the Kids360 app allows them to set screen time limits and content restrictions to ensure their children are seeing age-appropriate content without spending all day streaming.
If you found this article helpful in setting up Netflix parental controls, make sure to share it with a friend who also has a Netflix subscription!
FAQs
Can you set parental controls on Netflix?
Yes, it is possible to set parental controls on Netflix when you create a Kids Profile, which allows you to restrict certain content.
Can I block specific shows on Netflix?
Yes, with the Title Restriction feature, you can remove certain titles from showing up on a specific user profile.
Can you put a time limit on Netflix?
While Netflix does not have built-in screen time limits, third-party apps like Kids360 do.
How do I restrict users on Netflix?
Go to “Manage Profiles” and into the profile settings to set parental controls for other users.
Cover image: Miguel Lagoa/Shutterstock
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