The US-based content streaming platform Netflix is rolling out a new tool for parents to better understand and monitor what their children are watching.
The latest breakdown, called the Kids Activity Report, provides details on what kind of programming kids spend the most time watching, who their favorite character is and recommendations for new shows based on their preferences.
Recent emails sent to customers who have enabled children’s accounts let parents know they could opt for the report. The report also comes with a “joke of the day,” coloring pages (based on characters and shows from Netflix) to print out for children stuck at home, and prepared questions based on their favorite show or character to ask their children.
“Parents will hopefully be able to better connect with their kids by having a more thorough understanding of what they’re watching even if they don’t want to watch it themselves,” Michelle Parsons, who leads Netflix’s product innovation team for kids and family, said.
“Most parents have a pulse on what their kids like, based on their Halloween costumes or toys they ask for at Christmas, but we don’t always know what those shows are about,” Mr. Parson said. “What is the show, in essence, talking about?”
Generally, Netflix’s children’s profiles are made for kids between preschool and pre-teen ages, Mr. Parsons said. If older children don’t want their parents to know what they’re watching or just don’t like the idea of being monitored, Mr. Parsons said that it is a conversation for families to have. Parents can opt out of the reports at any time.
Family Profile Setting
Netflix is now rolling out a global test for a Family Profile setting alongside the latest kid’s report. Unlike regular profiles or kids-only profiles, family profiles will pull in TV shows and films that people can select as family-friendly, and it will appear in one profile.
“The key thing to understand is that it creates a family profile with co-viewing in mind that’s most relevant for specific family audiences,” Parsons said.
The family profiles will be available from today as part of a global test, while the kids activity report is also rolling out in select markets as part of a global test.
