A Guide To Streaming Platforms For Your Child

Streaming platforms have quickly become the go-to source of entertainment for kids and teens. Streaming can be a fantastic way for kids to explore interests and engage with content, with their immense variety and accessibility, these platforms provide viewers with instant access to movies, games, and even live interactions with other viewers and streamers. However, it does bring various challenges and risks and that is why it's important for parents/guardians to stay up-to-date and have a guide to understanding popular streaming platforms, potential risks, and practical strategies to keep children safe and having fun.

If you're looking for some child-friendly streamers for your little one(s) then you're in luck — check out our top 5 Most Child-Friendly Gaming Streamers.

What Is Streaming, and Why Are Kids Drawn to Them?

Streaming platforms are services that deliver a wide range of digital content, from pre-recorded TV shows and movies to live broadcasts of video games and influencer-led events. For kids, these platforms are especially captivating. Unlike traditional media, streaming is available on demand and tailored to individual preferences, so children can watch what they want whenever they want.

According to The Digital Wellness Lab, children are naturally drawn to streaming platforms because of their interactive and engaging nature. Video game streams, for instance, provide a sense of community and shared experience, especially when kids are watching or chatting with others in real-time. However, it’s crucial for parents to recognise the inherent risks of these platforms and set guidelines to ensure a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities.

Popular Streaming Platforms

Understanding each platform’s unique features and potential risks can empower parents to make informed decisions about what their children can access.

1. YouTube and YouTube Kids: As one of the most popular streaming sites, YouTube offers an extensive range of content, from educational videos to entertainment. However, given the platform’s limited age restrictions and vast user-generated content, children can accidentally stumble upon inappropriate material. YouTube’s algorithms sometimes lead viewers down unexpected paths, which could expose them to content not meant for their age. So we recommend YouTube Kids which is the child-friendly version of YouTube. It filters out much of the inappropriate content and allows parents to set up restricted viewing based on age/personal preference. While it’s a safer option, occasional issues with unfiltered or misleading content may still occur, so parental supervision is still extremely important.

2. Twitch: Initially a gaming-centred platform, Twitch has expanded to include various types of live-streamed content like lifestyle streams and creative arts. Unlike YouTube, which largely consists of pre-recorded videos, Twitch is dominated by live streaming, which means content isn’t pre-screened. Kids can encounter strong language or risky interactions in chat rooms, where strangers may send messages without restriction. A blog from NSPCC warns that Twitch’s lack of age filters and unmonitored live chats make it difficult to control exposure to inappropriate content.

3. Netflix and Disney+: These platforms are known for offering family-friendly viewing experiences. Netflix provides a wide range of content, from educational shows to mature movies and TV series. But thankfully Netflix allows parents to create separate kids’ profiles, which restrict access to only age-appropriate material. Disney+, too, is a safe bet for younger viewers, focusing largely on Disney’s family-oriented catalogue. What's more, both platforms allow parents to set PIN codes on adult profiles, giving an added layer of security for families.

The Risks of Streaming Platforms for Children

While streaming platforms offer a window into fun and education, they also come with certain risks that parents need to monitor.

• Inappropriate Content: One of the biggest risks on platforms like YouTube and Twitch is exposure to inappropriate material, including explicit language, mature themes, and violence. Content filters are often imperfect, so children can inadvertently access unsuitable content. According to TheGamer, some platforms exploit young audiences by exposing them to ads or even “gross” content that may not be flagged by filters.

• Personal Interactions and Cyberbullying: Many streaming services feature real-time chat options that allow users to interact with each other and with the content creator. On platforms like Twitch, unfiltered interactions can open the door to cyberbullying and offensive language. The live and unpredictable nature of these interactions makes it challenging to control what children might encounter.

• Marketing, Ads, and In-App Purchases: Many streaming platforms incorporate ads, some of which are targeted specifically at children. YouTube, for example, can personalise ads based on previous viewing habits, which can expose children to material or products they might not otherwise be interested in. Additionally, some platforms encourage in-app purchases for benefits or bonuses, putting financial pressure on younger viewers who might not understand the costs associated with these virtual perks.

Why Parental Involvement is Essential

While most streaming platforms offer some form of parental control, the best defence will always be active parental involvement. By understanding how these platforms work, setting up parental controls, and establishing open communication, parents can help guide children’s interactions.

• Understanding and Applying Parental Controls: Most streaming platforms do now offer parental control options that allow parents to restrict access to inappropriate content. Familiarising yourself with these tools is one of the easiest ways to help children avoid unsuitable material.

• Maintaining Open Communication about Online Behaviour: A study cited by the Digital Wellness Lab highlights the importance of communication. It’s essential to encourage kids to approach you if they encounter uncomfortable situations online and this openness fosters trust, making it more likely that children will seek help if they’re exposed to something unsettling on or offline.

• Teaching Media Literacy: Helping kids develop media literacy is essential in a world full of curated content and influencers. Discussing with them how some streamers might promote certain products or project an idealised lifestyle, can equip children with vital critical thinking skills, reducing their vulnerability to advertising and other persuasive tactics.

Setting Boundaries for Streaming Use

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance. Time limits, content restrictions, and monitoring are all effective ways to help kids enjoy streaming in a safe and balanced way.

• Establishing Time Limits: Most devices and platforms allow parents to set time limits which helps prevent overuse. By encouraging kids to balance their time between online and offline activities, you can help them develop a healthier relationship with screen time.

• Approving Content and Channels: Pre-approving content or specific channels is a good strategy, especially on platforms like YouTube. This way, children can choose what they interact with but are still limited to viewing content that you’ve already reviewed and deemed safe.

• How to Enable Parental Controls on Major Streaming Platforms: Each platform has different parental control features that can help filter content and control what kids access. Below is a breakdown of how to use parental controls on some of the most popular services.

Platform Specific Parental Controls:

• YouTube Kids Parental Controls: YouTube Kids allows parents to set an age range, which can filter out content based on suitability. Parents can also disable the search function, restricting kids to a curated list of videos. However, it’s worth noting that even YouTube Kids’ content may not be perfect, and supervision is still recommended.

• Twitch Parental Controls: Unfortunately, Twitch does not offer comprehensive parental controls, meaning parents must rely on third-party tools. Direct supervision, as well as ensuring kids understand the rules for safe interaction on Twitch is the best way to mitigate the risks.

• Netflix Parental Controls: Netflix provides PIN-protected profiles, and parents can set up children’s profiles with appropriate age filters. These features make it easier to manage children’s content consumption on the platform.

• Disney+ Parental Controls: Disney+ has a Kids Profile setting that restricts content to age-appropriate material. This allows young viewers to explore Disney’s offerings without encountering what they deem to be unsuitable content.

Safety Tips for Parents

In addition to setting parental controls and boundaries, there are other practical steps that parents can take to ensure kids are safe on streaming platforms.

• Supervise Through Family Viewing Time: Family viewing time allows you to see first hand what your child is watching, giving you an opportunity to discuss the content together. Watching as a family can open up valuable conversations about online behaviour and media influence.

• Teach Kids to Report and Block Inappropriate Content: Help kids understand the importance of reporting inappropriate content and blocking interactions with unsafe users. Empowering them with these skills makes them active participants in their safety online.

• Regularly Monitor Viewing History: Checking your child’s viewing history helps you stay aware of the content they are consuming and flags any material that may require a conversation or additional boundaries.

The Positive Side of Streaming Platforms for Kids

Streaming platforms are not all risk, they also provide a wide array of benefits.

• Access to Educational Content: Platforms like YouTube Kids and Netflix host a plethora of educational content. These resources make it easy for kids to explore subjects like science, art, and history in an engaging format.

• Opportunities for Creativity and Self-Expression: Streaming platforms encourage kids to experiment with their creative side, whether through watching DIY videos on YouTube or learning game mechanics on Twitch. This can help them develop interests and skills that they can use beyond the screen.

• Developing Digital Literacy: Using streaming platforms can help children learn to navigate the digital world safely, teaching them digital skills and responsibility that will be valuable as they grow.

In Conclusion

Streaming platforms offer exciting ways for children to learn, connect, and explore, but they also require mindful guidance from parents. As streaming becomes an integral part of kids’ digital lives, it’s essential to balance freedom and protection. By setting clear boundaries, using parental controls effectively, and fostering open, ongoing conversations about online safety, you empower your child to enjoy streaming responsibly. Remember, the goal is not to restrict but to guide—ensuring your child can explore their interests safely and develop healthy digital habits that will serve them well as they grow.