Young people are watching movies and TV programmes on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime more frequently now. These shows are rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body, classified by Te Mana Whakaatu - Classification Office, or self-rated by streaming providers. Some of these shows may be inappropriate for children. If you’re not sure if a show is suitable, watch it yourself first.
New Zealand's classification labels(external link)(external link)
You are in control
You can control the sort of TV shows and movies your whānau accesses by using parental controls. These allow you to set the maximum NZ age rating for your account or profile and have different profiles for different family members to ensure the content is age appropriate.
More information about parental controls on streaming and video on demand platforms is available from the Classification Office: You're in control with parental controls(external link)
Know the rating
Check the rating to make sure it’s suitable for your child’s age. The main streaming providers are required to show an age label and content warnings on screen for their tv shows and movies. You’ll find this information on the info page for each show and when you press play.
For more information see Taking control: How to make the most of parental controls(external link)(external link) – The Classification Office’s guide to parental controls for some of the main providers, for example Netflix, NEON, Lightbox, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and gaming sites like Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo.
If you have set parental controls and the content is still accessible you should lay a complaint with the provider directly. If you have done this and are still concerned that the content is easily accessible to children, email info@classificationoffice.govt.nz.