Smart TVs

As well as watching TV, they can be used to browse the internet, download and use apps such as YouTube, access video=on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer and use streaming services such as Netflix. Be aware that some streaming services allow content to be rented or purchased for a fee.

Research found that children were twice as likely to watch TV programmes on video-on-demand than live TV (Ofcom, 2021).

There is no official or recommended age for a child to use a smart TV. Films and some television programmes have individual age recommendations. For more info on film age ratings visit the BBFC.

As with any piece of technology, use your judgement to decide if you are happy for your child to use it.

Watching TV, films and videos with your children is a fun way to familiarise yourself with your smart TV, how it works and how they like to use it. Using the TV together can be a great way to model responsible and positive use of technology, showing your child how to use it safely when they use it independently.

Explore the parental controls on offer and set up boundaries with your child around how you expect them to use the TV. Make sure you give them the confidence to talk to you if anything worries or upset them while using it.

Like any piece of technology, smart TVs have both benefits and risks. Many of the risks depend on how the TV is being used and the apps that are installed. For example, if it is being used for watching online videos, this could introduce a risk of inappropriate content.

There are some key concerns people have about children using smart TVs in particular:

Parental controls can help you limit potential risks by setting age restrictions for apps, password protection for adult content or restricting in-app purchasing. You may be able to set up individual child profiles with specific safety features for different services.

For guidance on how to set parental controls on entertainment services and streaming services, see Internet Matters’ step-by-step instructions for each provider.

Keep talking with your child about how they are using the TV and take an interest in the things they like to watch. Open conversation lets your child know you are someone they can go with any questions or worries.

You can also visit our online issues page for specific advice for different risks.

Reassure your child they have done the right thing by telling you and that you are there to listen and help. Try to remain calm and non-judgemental, to help your child feel comfortable in telling you how the issue happened.

Work with your child to report or block any unacceptable behaviour or other users. Contact your child’s school for further support, particularly if it involves cyberbullying between classmates or inappropriate contact from an adult. If you suspect that your child is or has been the subject of inappropriate sexual contact by another person (grooming), report this to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre at www.ceop.police.uk.

If your child has accessed inappropriate content, review your parental controls. If you believe your child has viewed TV or on-demand programmes that are harmful you can report this to Ofcom, the media regulator in the UK. For more information on making a report on other online services, visit the Childnet website.

For help for on specific problems, see the following advice on online bullying, sexting, pornography, social media, parental controls and online challenges.