Netflix Parental Controls Guide
How to set up Netflix parental controls, create a kids profile, use PIN locks, and manage what your child watches on the platform.
Official age
0+
We recommend
6+
Developer
Netflix
Risks
2
Overview
Netflix is a subscription video-on-demand service offering films, TV series, documentaries, and original productions. It is one of the most widely used entertainment platforms in UK households. Netflix provides meaningful parental controls including dedicated Kids profiles, content maturity ratings, a PIN lock on mature content, and automatic download restrictions for children's profiles. Compared to many online platforms, Netflix offers a relatively robust set of parental tools, though no system is completely foolproof if children have access to the main account.
How children use it
Younger children typically use a dedicated Kids profile with age-appropriate content. Older children and teenagers often use shared family profiles or their own profiles, and may seek out content above their maturity level. The autoplay feature encourages extended viewing sessions. Downloading content for offline viewing is popular for long journeys or periods without internet access.
Main risks
Recommended privacy settings
Kids Profile
Location: Account → Who's Watching? → Add Profile → Kids
Set to: Use a dedicated Kids profile for under-12s
A Kids profile restricts content to age-appropriate shows and films and prevents children from accessing the main account's content library. This is the most effective single control on Netflix.
Viewing Restrictions PIN
Location: Account → Settings → Parental Controls → Require PIN for specific maturity levels
Set to: Set a PIN for content above the appropriate maturity rating
A PIN prevents content above a chosen maturity level from being played without the code. Set this on all profiles your child might access, not only their dedicated profile.
Profile Lock
Location: Account → Settings → Profile & Parental Controls → Lock Profile
Set to: Enabled on adult profiles
Locking adult profiles with a PIN prevents children from switching away from their Kids profile to access unrestricted content on the main account.
Parent actions
Create a dedicated Kids profile for children under 12 and lock adult profiles with a PIN to prevent profile switching
Time: 10 minutes
Set a viewing restriction PIN for any teen profile to limit access to content above the appropriate maturity rating
Time: 5 minutes
Review your child's viewing history periodically via Account → Profile & Parental Controls → Viewing Activity
Time: 10 minutes monthly