Netflix has always allowed you to create user profiles, which is a boon not simply so you can stop your kids watching content aimed at adults, but because it also means that it keeps what you watch separate from what they watch. So, Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol don’t end up on your ‘Continue watching’ list when you were expecting to find The Expanse or GLOW.
To compliment this, there is also a more granular way to control what your children are allowed to watch if you dig about in the Netflix account settings. We show you how to use these restrictions to keep to stop your little ones from stumbling into adult material when looking for Horrible Histories.
How do you change the age limit on Netflix?
By default, when you create a new user profile on Netflix you can tick the ‘Child?’ box and then select whether the content available is suitable for ‘Little children only’ or ‘Older children and younger’. This setting can be changed later by logging into your account on a PC, selecting the ‘Manage Profile’ option at the bottom of the page, then clicking on the one you want to adjust.
For teenagers, you don’t tick the Child box, but instead use the ‘Allowed TV programmes and films’ drop-down box and choose ‘For teens and below’. There are also options for ‘Older children and younger’ and ‘For toddlers only’.
How do lock out content on Netflix?
Another thing Netflix offers, but which isn’t obvious, is the ability to create a PIN and then select the level on content available on your account.
To do this, log into your account in a web browser, click the drop-down menu at the top right and select ‘Account’, then, in the SETTINGS section, click ‘Parental controls’.
You’ll be prompted to enter your account password to enable Parental controls. This prevents a child from sneaking onto your account and disabling them when you’re not looking. With this done, you’ll be asked to type in your preferred PIN code and click Save. This enables the greyed-out slider below where you can set which content can be watched without entering the PIN.
At the bottom of the page you’ll also find the ability to create a list of blocked TV shows or films that you don’t want your kids watching. Netflix includes this because it says “We understand that every family is different and that parents have differing perspectives on what they feel is appropriate to watch at different ages.
While we already provide PIN protection for all content at a particular maturity level for Netflix accounts, PIN protection for a specific series or film provides families with an additional tool to make decisions they are comfortable with.”
So, simply start typing the name of the show or film you want to block and then click on it in the search results. You can build up a list of blocked shows this way, rather than relying on Netflix’s own curation.
That’s it. Your child should now be kept away from anything too mature for their young eyes. Should you be travelling soon then you may also want to know how to download Netflix for offline viewing so all of you can enjoy your favourite shows whether you’re in the car, on the plane or relaxing by the beach.
Author: Jim Martin, Executive Editor, Tech Advisor
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
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