A guide to parental controls on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services

This article has been updated. Originally published October 27, 2018.

Streaming services offer vast entertainment libraries, but also pose challenges for parents concerned about age-appropriate content. Fortunately, most platforms provide robust parental controls. This guide helps you navigate these settings to safeguard your children's viewing experience.

How to Use Parental Controls on Netflix

Netflix offers two primary parental control methods: creating restricted profiles or setting PIN protection for mature content.

Creating a dedicated child profile keeps their viewing history separate from yours, preventing adult content recommendations from appearing in your feed. However, children might switch profiles. To create a profile: Access your Netflix account settings, select "Manage Profiles," click "Add Profile," name the profile, check the "Kid?" box, and choose a maturity rating. You can also specify blocked titles regardless of rating.

Alternatively, you can require a PIN for each profile to access mature content. This prevents unauthorized access to restricted profiles. To set up a PIN, go to your account settings, select "Profile & Parental Controls," choose a profile, and enable "Profile Lock" with a PIN. You can also require a PIN to add new profiles.

These controls are accessible via both the website and mobile apps. Note that mobile app access to account settings may redirect you to the website.

How to Use Parental Controls on YouTube

YouTube's "Restricted Mode" blocks potentially mature content but only works within the current browser session or device. It's easily bypassed. Access Restricted Mode via your account settings on the website or app.

For stronger protection, install the YouTube Kids app. This app filters content based on age and allows for granular control over search functionality and content approval. Upon launching, select "I'm a parent" to configure age settings and further restrictions.

How to Use Parental Controls on Apple Music, Books, TV, and iTunes

Apple's parental controls extend across Music, Books, and TV (and iTunes on older systems). Settings vary by device.

On macOS Catalina and later, access restrictions via the individual app's preferences. On older macOS or Windows, use the iTunes preferences to limit content by maturity rating or disable store access. A password protects these settings.

On iOS devices, use Screen Time settings to restrict content by age rating, block app installations and in-app purchases, and limit app usage time. A Screen Time passcode prevents unauthorized changes.

How to Use Parental Controls on Google Play

Google Play's parental controls, accessible through the Play Store app settings, allow you to set age restrictions for various content categories. A PIN protects these settings.

The Family Link app offers more comprehensive control over a child's Google account, including Google Play content. However, remember that web access to Google Play bypasses app-based restrictions. Combine this with YouTube parental controls for complete protection.

How to Use Parental Controls on Hulu

Hulu's parental controls primarily involve creating individual profiles for children with age-based restrictions. This requires children to remain within their designated profiles. Create profiles through your account settings on the website or app, specifying a name and birthdate.

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