How to Manage Content Across Your Kids' Streaming Platforms
January 07, 2021
Circle allows parents to manage and monitor access to all of their kids’ streaming platforms.
Streaming platforms have been a game-changer for parents who need kid-friendly content condensed into one place. These days many households even have more than one streaming service on tap. They’re commercial-free, typically more affordable than cable, and offer something for everyone in the family. But, all of those platforms can be a double edged sword for parents. The more services and shows there are, the more there is to worry about when it comes to blocking inappropriate content.
Many of these services come equipped with their own parental controls features, while some have none at all. Circle is the only Parental Controls solution that comprehensively manages access to all the streaming platforms that your family uses, even when kids are on the go with their mobile devices. Instead of spending all your time Googling and Youtubing how to manage access and time limits on multiple streaming services, Circle allows you to control each of your kids’ platform-access permissions from the convenience of a few swipes on your phone. And what parent couldn't use some extra time added back into their day?
How Circle Parental Controls Save Time
The really great thing about Circle is that you can set up content restrictions and manage screen time across all your family’s connected devices in one place. Plus, Circle keeps you up to date on what your kids are up to online without having to log in to separate apps all the time. You can enable notifications to stay aware of when your kids reach their screen time limits, or, if they try to get around controls. Already know that turning off the TV or tablet an hour before bed is going to be a battle? Set up device Bedtimes to automatically set that boundary for you.
As long as devices are connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi or a cellular network and are managed by a control source like Circle, parental controls allow you to monitor and limit each individual’s ability to utilize streaming services on those devices. It’s that simple. Keep reading to learn how you get started.
Set Up Circle Home Plus on Your Wi-Fi Router
First things first, you need to install the Circle Parental Controls app on your phone. Once you’ve downloaded the app through the App store or Google Play and created your account, you can set up the Circle Home Plus device on your router at home.
You'll be asked to start your subscription by scanning the QR code on the bottom of your Circle Home Plus device. From there, the app will guide you through a few simple steps to help get started managing all your family’s screen time—and streaming platforms—from one place.
Once set up, Circle will be able to detect all your family’s Internet-connected devices, including your computers, tablets, smart TV, Roku, Apple TV, etc.
Set Up Your Parent Account
First, you’ll need to set up your parent account within the Circle app. Your parent account will enable you to control each connected device and each family member’s profile settings.
With your parent account ready to go, you’ll be ready to start customizing your family members’ profiles and settings.
Set Up Your Family Member Profiles
Each family member will need their own profile to customize their settings. You should also install the Circle app on any family members’ mobile devices that you want to manage on the go, across any Wi-Fi or data networks. Once you get to this step in the process, you can also set up Filters. Within the Filters feature, you can set up content restrictions for each of your family members for any of the streaming services available in your home. You’ll also have access to Time Limits, Focus Time, Bedtimes and other features that serve as an added bonus for managing your kids’ screen time.
For more detailed information on how to set up your parent profile or family member profiles, this article is a great resource.
Start Managing Streaming Services In a Few Clicks
Voilà! You just saved yourself a ton of time, and managing your kids’ streaming content is now at your fingertips. There will be no more frustrating fumbling through each streaming service to figure out how to manage access to streaming services. Circle’s Filter feature will block any service you’ve deemed inappropriate for your kids’ to view or limit their time if you have set a Time Limit.
YouTube is unique, because Circle can actually manage access to content there through Safe Search. Here’s a helpful rundown on how to set up Safe Search within the Circle app.
To learn more about how Circle Home Plus can help you manage your family’s streaming services and more, you can read more here.