NETFLIX has reaffirmed its advanced features and content aimed at creating a delightful and secure viewing experience for families everywhere at a ‘Netflix for Families’ event attended by local child experts, policymakers, parenting bloggers, NGOs, government stakeholders and representatives of civil society.
Families are different, and that’s why Netflix remains committed to offering a variety of content and easy-to-use tools that help parents tailor their kids’ experience on Netflix.
“At Netflix we are increasingly expanding our library to connect families and kids with a variety of family films and TV shows from all over the world – including 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,” said Shola Sanni, Netflix’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Families can watch what they want, when they want, based on their unique tastes and preferences. We want parents to have the information and tools they need to make the right decisions for their families, which is why we offer a range of tools that can help parents tailor their kids’ profile experience to fit their preferences.”
As accessing online platforms becomes increasingly easy and prevalent, Netflix hosted a panel discussion around the importance of safe entertainment viewing experience for families.
The panel featured; Educational Psychologist, Dr. Tshepiso Matentjie; Cyber safety and digital expert and Managing Editor of BabyYumYum, Rianette Leibowitz; Professor of Criminology at the University of East London, Julia Davidson, Andrew Andrew Sebapu, Acting Manager of Regulatory, Compliance and Enforcement from the Film and Publication Board; and SA Public Policy Senior Manager at Netflix, Ziyanda Buthelezi-Ngcobo.
Speaking about effectively preventing and managing cybercrime and risks, Julia Davidson commented: “The online risks we face in society are a global, multi-stakeholder issue and need to be treated as such, not in silos. We need to collaborate to ensure there are legislations across jurisdictions. Effective education and awareness is also key. As cyber issues evolve, so should the way we approach and resolve the challenges we face.”
Commenting on how parents can better have cyber- risk conversations with children, Dr Matentjie expressed that: “Parents simply need to take charge.
Reality is that a lot of parents are intimidated by technology. They require to let go of the idea of being an expert in this case, and to be teachable, opening themselves for modern online platforms to teach and challenge them. Once they have a hold of this, they can take on an advisory and guardian role to their children.”
In addition to parental control features provided by Netflix, Buthelezi affirmed that: “Our Netflix measures are capacitated and empowered to ensure children are protected, as per their rights. We continue to partner with the government, NGOs, policymakers and others to ensure that we deliver appropriate content that enhances learning and entertainment for kids. We also have a 24 hour help centre and trained agents that parents and guardians can utilise should they be unsatisfied with the Netflix titles,” said Ziyanda Buthelezi.
Image provided (Parenting expert Nikki Bush moderating a panel discussion about the importance of parental controls at the Netflix Families event).
