Netflix is by far the most popular streaming service in the world. In 2021 the service boasted over 200 million subscribers, with 73.9 million users based in the U.S. and Canada. That’s not surprising, because Netflix has made a habit of producing hit shows for all ages. When it comes to children, Netflix can become a little trickier, as not only is the service full of adult content that kids can easily access, but it’s also a huge distraction when it comes to focusing on schoolwork. With screen addiction also being a real issue among children, parents need tools to help keep kids safe while watching Netflix.
It’s impossible for parents to monitor their children’s activities all the time, especially when it comes to the internet. Naturally, parents need some help along the way, and this is where Mobicip comes in. Since 2008, the California-based company has been helping parents keep their kids safe online thanks to its advanced blocking and filtering capabilities. Parents are able to block social media apps, video streaming software, and games to keep children safe and focused on their schoolwork. Mobicip also allows you to track your child’s location (as well as create geofences) so you can be reassured they’re safe and sound. One really appealing aspect of Mobicip is its price, which starts from just $4.99 per month to cover up to ten devices. Users can also test out the service first by taking advantage of the limited free version or -day trial.
Parental control software comes in many different varieties because every parent requires something different depending on their child’s needs, and KidLogger works in a very unique way compared to its competition. As the name might suggest, KidLogger functions primarily as a keylogger so you can read messages sent by your child on desktops, although functionality differs greatly between KidLogger's extensive Android features and the incredibly limited iOS app. Developed by SafeJKA S.R.L., a Moldavian company that has been up and running since 2001, the service tracks which websites your child has visited, the apps they use, and for how long they’ve been using them – with the option to block apps when necessary. KidLogger will then send reports to parents outlining their child’s internet history. A great thing about KidLogger is that there is a totally free version and, though users have the option to pay for an upgrade, there is in fact little difference between the two.
When you’re looking for parental control software it’s reassuring to know that the software is made by experts in the field with vast experience in online security, which is exactly what you’ll get with Kaspersky’s Safe Kids. Kaspersky was founded in Russia back in 1997 and has been in the internet security business ever since, famous for products such as its antivirus software and VPN service. The company gained notoriety in 2017 after allegations of ties to the Russian government, and since then has distanced itself from that and permitted independent reviews of its products – which is reassuring, because they produce some excellent software. Safe Kids is packed with tools to help moderate your child’s internet usage. With each step of setting up your parental controls, you are given expert advice by a professional child psychologist. There’s a free version of Kaspersky Safe Kids available, but it’s limited in its features and scope so it’s better to try the free seven-day trial of the full product to make the most of it.
Most of us know Netflix for its gripping dramas and fascinating documentaries, but it’s also a great app for kids. There are lots of shows for younger children to enjoy, like YooHoo to the Rescue and Word Party. There’s great content for teenagers too, with shows such as The A List and Get Even, so no matter how old your children are they’ll find something they love. Netflix’s famous algorithms will also recommend other relevant shows, ensuring they’ll always have something entertaining to watch.
To help parents out, Netflix adds maturity ratings to all its shows going from TV-Y (for all children) up to TV-17, with a lot of different ratings in-between. This way, you can know exactly what shows your kids should be watching.
Netflix does offer some parental controls to restrict content. The first thing you can do is create separate profiles – if you’ve used Netflix before, you’ve probably done this already to enhance your own experience. But things are a little different when it comes to adding child profiles, as Netflix changes its layout to make it easier for kids to navigate. It also restricts what shows can be watched depending on the maturity ratings you selected. If you’re worried about your child simply switching to your profile to watch inappropriate content, then you can add a PIN code to stop them.
It must be mentioned that Netflix has been steadily improving its parental controls. Initially, children could easily swap from a kid’s profile to an adult one without any issues. Indeed, it used to be that Netflix would only let you choose between a ‘little kids’ and ‘older kids’ profile, with nothing in the middle. There’s still room for improvement though, as Netflix doesn’t give you the ability to limit screen time.
You don’t have to rely on Netflix’s parental controls though, and there are practical steps you can take instead. One key thing is to have a conversation with your kids about safe practices online. Tell them why it’s important not to spend too much time in front of a screen, and set up a schedule with them for when they can watch Netflix. It’s also a good idea not to leave young children unattended while watching Netflix, to make sure they aren’t watching something inappropriate.
For extra peace of mind, it’s best to invest in a parental control app. By using a dedicated parental control solution, you can know exactly how much time your child spends watching Netflix. The software also allows you to create strict schedules where the device locks after a set time has finished. With parental control software, you can be even stricter by blocking access to the Netflix app completely. Not only that, but these tools help with much more than just with Netflix, making sure your kids stay safe online all the time.
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