Staying safe on Netflix

Understanding Netflix and streaming platforms

Netflix is an online streaming service offering a vast library of films, TV series, documentaries, and original content which is available to view anytime (on-demand). The viewing is ad-free because users pay a subscription to access the platform.

The experience can be accessed across multiple devices not just TVs, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Depending on the subscription level, multiple family members can be watching different content, on different devices, around the home at the same time.

Streaming entertainment has become highly valued and used globally, mainly for its wide selection of genres and categories catering to all age groups and interests, as well as its convenience, allowing users to watch anytime and anywhere with internet access. Some platforms like Netflix also now invest in producing their own shows and movies.

The additional benefit for users accessing content this way has been the platform's personalised recommendations. The system learns about what you like to watch from your watch history, making it easy over time to navigate and find similar content that you would enjoy.

Potential harm with online streaming services

Children may encounter TV shows or movies that are not suitable for their age group, leading to exposure to inappropriate content.

Excessive screen time can negatively impact a child's health and development, making screen time management an important concern for parents with thinking about how their children use screens holistically – in the study, socialising and entertainment areas of their lives.

Sharing personal information on online platforms can lead to privacy breaches, putting data at risk. And we know that interactions on social platforms that allow peer-to-peer communication can sometimes result in negative experiences, such as cyberbullying.

Netflix’s recent introduction of gaming to their platform means that these aspects of online content and communication are a new consideration for families.

Safety resources for parents

Netsafe provide resources to support families in creating safer online experiences. Some families can consider streaming an online activity like social media, because it is accessed on internet-enabled devices.

Below you can watch a helpful guide that Netflix ANZ created in collaboration with Netsafe, to walk you through the parental controls available on the platform and how to use them:

You can also find a guide to the tools that are available to keep your whānau safe when viewing entertainment online across many more platforms in New Zealand at the Classifications Office website(https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/resources/items/parental-controls/).

Gaming on Netflix

As Netflix introduces gaming to its platform, new safety considerations arise for parents and families to ensure they have secure and positive experiences.

Here are some key areas to think about and plan for as a family:

1. Content in Games 

Games may contain content that is not suitable for children, including violence, strong language, or mature themes. It's essential to be aware of the content in the games and check that children’s choices align with your family values.

2. Balance and Breaks

Gaming can add to the overall screen time each day for children, which may already include watching shows or using their phones. Excessive screen time can affect our wellbeing so it’s a good idea to consider screen time holistically across all the online activities we do as a family.

3. Online Interactions 

Some games may include multiplayer modes or online interactions with other players, which can expose children to inappropriate behaviour, cyberbullying, or unwanted contact from strangers.

​4. In-App Purchases 

Games might offer in-app purchases, which can lead to unintended spending by children if controls are not in place to ensure adult oversight of purchase decisions.

​5. Data Privacy 

Games may collect data on player behaviour, which raises concerns for some users about how this information is used and protected.