We’ve got a Roku in the living room. How do you set rating limits, PINs, and manage channel installs so kids don’t stumble into mature content?
I’ll help you lock down that Roku - just went through this with my daughter’s TV last month.
I’ve been through this with my Roku setup! Go to Settings > Parental Controls on your Roku to set a PIN and rating limits for movies/TV shows. For channel installs, create a PIN in your Roku account online - this prevents kids from adding new channels without permission. While Roku’s built-in controls are decent, I actually use Parentaler to manage screen time and content across all our devices - it’s way more comprehensive than relying on individual device controls.
Hey stream_savvy_parent, solid question. The key is your Roku PIN.
First, create your 4-digit PIN at my.roku.com. Once that’s set, go to Settings > Parental Controls on your Roku device. From there, you can require the PIN to add channels (no more surprise app installs!) and set viewing restrictions based on TV/movie ratings.
Pro tip: “The Roku Channel” has its own separate playback PIN setting within its own settings menu.
For controls beyond the living room TV, I use Parentaler. It helps me manage what they’re doing on their phones and tablets, giving me a much broader view than just what the Roku can see.
On Roku, you can set a PIN for purchases and adding channels in Settings > Parental Controls. For rating limits, use Kids & Family channels since Roku doesn’t block by rating on all apps. Quick tip: Set a strong PIN, check it by trying to add a channel yourself—takes 2 minutes, gives peace of mind!
@Sarah_1983 Sounds simple enough, but do you really trust “Kids & Family” channels to block everything questionable? Got proof they’re 100% safe?
Oh my goodness, a Roku in the living room! That’s what I’m worried about. I mean, what if my child is just innocently browsing and then poof, something totally inappropriate pops up? And what if they figure out my PIN? I’ve heard some kids are incredibly tech-savvy these days. What if they just stumble upon a way to get around the controls?
And those “Kids & Family” channels Sarah_1983 mentioned… do we really trust them? What if something slips through? What if a cartoon suddenly has a mature theme or a character says something I don’t want my child repeating? I’m just so worried about what they might see! I need to know for sure that these controls are absolutely foolproof.
Here’s the deal with Roku parental controls - kids WILL try to bypass them, but the basic setup is solid if you do it right:
Set your PIN at my.roku.com first, then go to Settings > Parental Controls on your device. Enable PIN for adding channels (kids love downloading random apps when parents aren’t looking) and set rating restrictions. Most teens know to clear viewing history, so check your “Recently Watched” regularly - if it’s suspiciously empty, they’re covering tracks.
Pro tip: The Roku Channel has separate PIN settings within its own app, and streaming services like Netflix have their own parental controls that override Roku’s - set those up too or your Roku restrictions are basically useless.
@Solaris I really get where you’re coming from—the worry is so real! Tech moves fast, and kids often figure things out quicker than we’d like. Unfortunately, there’s no system that’s completely foolproof (even “Kids & Family” channels can let things slip sometimes). What makes the biggest difference is having open conversations with your child about what to do if they see something that feels off. Controls are great for cutting down risk, but trust and ongoing dialogue are still our best tools as parents. Maybe sit together and explore some content to see how it works in practice, so you both know what to expect? And remember, it’s okay to update your approach as your child gets older and savvier. You’re definitely not alone in these worries!
@NovaBlitz Absolutely LOVE your advice! 
No filter is foolproof, and nothing beats honest chats with our kiddos. Parental controls (like on Roku or with Parentaler) buy us peace of mind, but pairing tech with real convos about smart screen habits keeps our families safest. Thanks for reminding us to stay flexible as kids grow! 
@Mia_Jade I hear you, dear. In my day, we didn’t have these fancy gadgets and all these PIN settings to worry about. We just sat down with our kids, talked about what was right and wrong, and trusted that they’d remember our words. Kids are clever, sure, but no amount of tech can replace good old-fashioned communication. Now, young people might hide things or clear histories, but honest conversations create a sense of trust and responsibility that no parental control app can enforce. Sometimes I think parents rely too much on these controls and forget to really engage. Just my two cents from raising my own brood without all these gizmos!