Smart TVs
Smart TVs work just like regular TVs but with internet connectivity, like smartphones. They have built-in apps that children and young people can use, as well as capabilities to surf the web, access social media platforms, and stream video content from the most popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ (keep reading for parental controls for each of these streaming services).
Similarly to a computer or a smartphone, Smart TVs may have access to webcams (if there is one), audio recordings, personal data, and social media data, depending on the manufacturer. It is also recommended not to download any suspicious software on your Smart TV, or any app or third-party installer if you're unsure about its authenticity.
Samsung TV offers a range of parental controls (that can be PIN-protected) - it is possible for example to filter content based on age ratings (e.g. G and PG only), and to lock certain apps and channels entirely with a PIN.
LG provides a video overview of its main parental controls features - including filtering content by age ratings, lock certain apps and programmes with a PIN, as well as restricting access to certain inputs.
Google TV and Android TV offer similar features - it is possible to set up a kids profile/a restricted profile and manage which apps children can use, make sure they only access appropriate content and get recommendations for family-friendly content, and set up bedtime reminders and screen time limits.
When it comes to apps, and streaming services apps more specifically, parents and caregivers will need to set up parental controls for each streaming platform individually.
Streaming services
Netflix
Netflix offers various solutions to enable parentals controls, all manageable from My Netflix > Menu > Manage Profiles (from the app) or Account > Profiles (from a browser).
- Create a profile with the Netflix Kids experience, which has a simplified look and navigation, removes direct access to account settings, doesn't include Netflix games and only shows and plays content that is selected as appropriate for younger audiences.
- Choose and customise a maturity level for each profile. Parents and caregivers can set a maturity rating so that the profile will only see TV shows, films, and games at or below that rating.
- PIN-protect each profile. Parents and caregivers can restrict access to a specific profile (e.g. adult profile) with a four-digit Profile Lock PIN. In addition, it is possible to require a PIN any time a new profile is added.
- Create and review the list of restricted titles for each profile. Specific TV shows or films can be blocked for individual profiles.
- Viewing activity reports are available to monitor screen time, viewing history and device activity.
Prime Video
The first step is to create a four-digit PIN that only the parent/guardian will know under Prime Video > Settings > Parental controls. This guide helps you in the process. It is then possible to enable:
- Purchasing restrictions. The PIN code will be requested before making any purchase
- Viewing restrictions. It is possible to select the age categories that won't require the PIN, and that will therefore be fully available to the child, from a list (U for all audiences, PG suggested as some scenes might be inappropriate for younger audiences, 12+, 15+, 18+).
Disney+
Disney+ has parental controls features available to help keep watching appropriate content:
- The Junior mode makes the platform becomes easier to navigate, and only shows content suitable for all ages.
- It is possible to set up a PIN for a profile you don't want your child to have access to.
- You can set a certain maturity level for a profile, i.e. shows rated higher than a profile's content rating (0+, 6+, 9+, etc.) will not be shown in the catalogue.
Further information and resources
Smart TVs
Smart TVs work just like regular TVs but with internet connectivity, like smartphones. They have built-in apps that children and young people can use, as well as capabilities to surf the web, access social media platforms, and stream video content from the most popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ (keep reading for parental controls for each of these streaming services).
Similarly to a computer or a smartphone, Smart TVs may have access to webcams (if there is one), audio recordings, personal data, and social media data, depending on the manufacturer. It is also recommended not to download any suspicious software on your Smart TV, or any app or third-party installer if you're unsure about its authenticity.
Samsung TV offers a range of parental controls (that can be PIN-protected) - it is possible for example to filter content based on age ratings (e.g. G and PG only), and to lock certain apps and channels entirely with a PIN.
LG provides a video overview of its main parental controls features - including filtering content by age ratings, lock certain apps and programmes with a PIN, as well as restricting access to certain inputs.
Google TV and Android TV offer similar features - it is possible to set up a kids profile/a restricted profile and manage which apps children can use, make sure they only access appropriate content and get recommendations for family-friendly content, and set up bedtime reminders and screen time limits.
When it comes to apps, and streaming services apps more specifically, parents and caregivers will need to set up parental controls for each streaming platform individually.
Streaming services
Netflix
Netflix offers various solutions to enable parentals controls, all manageable from My Netflix > Menu > Manage Profiles (from the app) or Account > Profiles (from a browser).
- Create a profile with the Netflix Kids experience, which has a simplified look and navigation, removes direct access to account settings, doesn't include Netflix games and only shows and plays content that is selected as appropriate for younger audiences.
- Choose and customise a maturity level for each profile. Parents and caregivers can set a maturity rating so that the profile will only see TV shows, films, and games at or below that rating.
- PIN-protect each profile. Parents and caregivers can restrict access to a specific profile (e.g. adult profile) with a four-digit Profile Lock PIN. In addition, it is possible to require a PIN any time a new profile is added.
- Create and review the list of restricted titles for each profile. Specific TV shows or films can be blocked for individual profiles.
- Viewing activity reports are available to monitor screen time, viewing history and device activity.
Prime Video
The first step is to create a four-digit PIN that only the parent/guardian will know under Prime Video > Settings > Parental controls. This guide helps you in the process. It is then possible to enable:
- Purchasing restrictions. The PIN code will be requested before making any purchase
- Viewing restrictions. It is possible to select the age categories that won't require the PIN, and that will therefore be fully available to the child, from a list (U for all audiences, PG suggested as some scenes might be inappropriate for younger audiences, 12+, 15+, 18+).
Disney+
Disney+ has parental controls features available to help keep watching appropriate content:
- The Junior mode makes the platform becomes easier to navigate, and only shows content suitable for all ages.
- It is possible to set up a PIN for a profile you don't want your child to have access to.
- You can set a certain maturity level for a profile, i.e. shows rated higher than a profile's content rating (0+, 6+, 9+, etc.) will not be shown in the catalogue.
Further information and resources
