How it works
Netflix hosts popular children’s TV programmes and films as well as content for adults. The home screen suggests content grouped into themes such as ‘30-Minute Laughs’ or a user can choose from a list of categories (e.g. ‘Kids & Family Films’).
A user’s viewing and search history is used to personalise the recommended content but they can tune these suggestions using the thumbs up and thumbs down buttons. British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) ratings (U, PG, 12, 15 or 18) are applied to films and every individual programme in a series, although profit-making streaming services are not required to meet the same educational or quality rules as public service broadcasters. All subscriptions include games which can be played through the Netflix app on a smart TV or as separate apps on a mobile device. Some games can be played on the Netflix website.
Parental controls or safety settings available
Parents can create separate child profiles and manage settings via a browser to set age limits, hide titles, and view watch history or their child’s thumbs up/down programme ratings. A Kids Profile offers a simpler interface with content limited to PG. However, children can switch profiles unless adult accounts are locked with a PIN.
Whilst it is not currently possible to set screen time limits, to manage features that encourage watching for longer, parents can use the browser settings to:
• Turn off the automatic playing of the next episode (or previews)
• Manage notifications
• Prevent the app from using personal data to inform recommendations and, where applicable, adverts
Harmful content can be reported using the flag icon while watching or through the account history page on a browser.
* While the account holder must be at least 18, children can use the service if supervised.
