How to Set Up Parental Controls on Roku: Step-by-Step Guide

With the rise of streaming platforms, such as Roku, which provide a plethora of entertainment options, it becomes essential to have robust parental controls in place. In this guide, we will delve into the world of Roku and explore how you can set up effective parental controls to safeguard your family’s viewing experience.

What Is Roku?

Roku, a renowned streaming media player, has revolutionized how we consume entertainment. It offers a wide array of channels, allowing users to access movies, TV shows, music, and more directly on their television screens. However, with the abundance of content available, concerns regarding age-appropriate material and parental supervision arise.

Is Roku Dangerous for Children?

In the realm of streaming content, it’s crucial for parents to acknowledge that certain material might not be suitable for younger audiences. This underscores the significance of Roku providing an array of parental control choices to assist in overseeing and limiting access to particular streaming channels and content.

Although Roku lacks an internet browser or any other features conducive to accessing unsuitable content, its extensive collection of movies and TV shows might encompass content geared toward mature audiences. Consequently, it becomes imperative for parents to promptly establish parental control settings on their Roku devices.

There exist numerous rationales for restricting children’s access to specific content. Such material could potentially involve violence, explicit themes, inappropriate language, and more. By utilizing parental controls to block or restrict access to these channels or shows, you can ensure the online streaming experience remains secure for your children.

Read also: Is Tumblr Safe for Kids?

Does Roku Have Parental Controls?

Roku acknowledges the significance of ensuring age-appropriate content for viewers of all ages. While it may not feature traditional parental controls, it provides an effective alternative – the Roku Channel Store PIN. This four-digit numerical parental controls PIN offers you a higher degree of control over the type of content that can be added to your Roku player.

To set up this PIN:

1. Open a web browser on any device, be it a desktop PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
2. Navigate to Roku’s official website and log in to your Roku account using your existing credentials.
3. From the My Account page, proceed to the PIN preference section and click on the Update option.
4. Select your desired PIN and specify when it will be required. This versatile code can be used to restrict purchases, add channels from the Roku store, and control access to specific channels.
5. While the PIN is four digits long, it is advisable to note it down for future reference. In case you forget it, you can reset it, provided you have access to the email associated with your account.

Parental Controls on Roku

One of the most valuable features Roku offers for parental control is the ability to restrict movie access based on content ratings. These ratings include:

• G – General audience
• PG – Parental guidance suggested
• PG-13 – Parents strongly cautioned for children under 13
• R – Restricted content
• NC-17 – Unsuitable for viewers under 17

How to enable parental controls in a straightforward process:

1. Using your Roku controller, access the main menu of your Roku TV.
2. Navigate to Settings, generally located at the bottom of the main menu on most devices.
3. Activate parental controls and establish a PIN if prompted.
4. Explore TV and Movie ratings and configure your preferred settings.
5. Exit the menu, secure in the knowledge that without entering the PIN, no one can modify parental control settings.

In instances where a movie or TV show lacks a rating, you can prevent access to such content by opting to Block All Unrated Programs.

Conclusion

Roku’s innovative approach to parental controls, with the Roku Channel Store PIN and content rating restrictions, empowers users to tailor their viewing experience while maintaining a safe environment for the entire family. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can effortlessly set up effective parental controls on your Roku device, allowing you and little kids to enjoy the world of entertainment with peace of mind.