At a recent ‘Netflix for Families’ event, Netflix reaffirmed its dedication to providing advanced features and diverse content designed to create a delightful and secure viewing experience for families. The event was attended by local child experts, policymakers, parenting bloggers, NGOs, government stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. Recognizing the diverse needs of families, Netflix remains committed to offering a variety of content and easy-to-use tools to help parents tailor their children’s experiences on the platform.
Shola Sanni, Netflix’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted Netflix’s expanding library aimed at connecting families with a wide range of films and TV shows from around the world. This includes award-winning animated films like “The Sea Beast,” educational series such as “Breaking Boundaries,” and beloved character films like “Kung Fu Panda” and “Boss Baby.” Sanni emphasized the flexibility Netflix offers families to watch what they want, when they want, based on their unique tastes and preferences. Netflix provides various tools to help parents make informed decisions and customize their kids’ profiles to fit their preferences.
In light of the increasing ease of accessing online platforms, Netflix hosted a panel discussion on the importance of a safe entertainment viewing experience for families. The panel featured notable experts including Educational Psychologist Dr. Tshepiso Matentjie, cyber safety and digital expert Rianette Leibowitz, Professor of Criminology at the University of East London Julia Davidson, Andrew Sebapu from the Film and Publication Board, and SA Public Policy Senior Manager at Netflix Ziyanda Buthelezi-Ngcobo.
Julia Davidson discussed the global and multi-stakeholder nature of online risks, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts across jurisdictions and effective education and awareness. Dr. Tshepiso Matentjie advised parents to take charge of cyber-risk conversations with their children, encouraging them to embrace and learn from modern online platforms to better guide and protect their children.
Ziyanda Buthelezi reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to protecting children’s rights through its various measures and partnerships with government, NGOs, and policymakers. Netflix also offers a 24-hour help centre and trained agents to assist parents and guardians with any concerns about Netflix titles.
The event explored the latest trends and best practices for protecting children in the digital age, highlighting steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure children thrive while being protected from online risks. Discussions also addressed how regulatory frameworks can mitigate online harms against children without limiting their rights or access. Netflix’s collaboration with South Africa’s Film and Publication Board (FPB) ensures adherence to regulatory standards and enhances online safety, with Netflix’s maturity ratings aligning with local regulations to help parents effectively manage and supervise their children’s viewing experience.
Entertainment for the Entire Family: Fun for All Ages
Netflix has established itself as a premier destination for animation, with over 278 million households worldwide enjoying a diverse range of family-friendly content. Fans can look forward to upcoming films and series, as well as the return of beloved favourites. The line-up includes feel-good movies, animal tales, live-action kids’ movies, and family favourites. Upcoming and returning shows include “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” “The Twits,” “The Imaginary,” and “Spellbound.” For older kids who enjoy exciting, action-packed movies, season 2 of “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” and the anime series “Tokyo Override” are set to debut. Preschoolers can look forward to new seasons of “CoComelon Lane” and “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”
Additionally, viewers can enjoy “Ultraman: Rising,” which debuted in June 2024 and has quickly gained popularity, as well as all-audience hits like “Leo” and “Pokémon Concierge.” For more information on upcoming entertainment, families can visit Netflix’s Tudum platform.
Parental Controls That Put You in Charge
Netflix has enhanced its parental control tools, making it easier than ever for parents to manage their kids’ viewing experience. Features include:
- Easy-to-Use Controls: A simple interface in the central Profile Hub for managing settings.
- Customizable Profiles: Ability to set up to five profiles, including age-specific settings for kids.
- Viewing Management: Options to disable auto-play, set passwords and PIN locks, and review viewing histories.
- Kids Profiles: Fun, age-appropriate content with no user-generated material.
- Kids Activity Report: Bi-weekly reports on favourite shows, themes, and family activity suggestions.
- Profile Locks: Ability to lock individual profiles with PIN codes to control access.
- Set Age Ratings: Ensure kids are watching content appropriate for their age.
- Block Titles: Option to keep specific shows and movies off a child’s profile.
- Stop Auto-play: Encourage mindful viewing by turning off auto-play for next episodes.
- View Play History: See what kids have been watching for better oversight.
By providing these tools and features, Netflix ensures that families can enjoy a safe and personalized viewing experience tailored to their needs.
