TV and movie streaming services bring programmes, films and sometimes live broadcasts to televisions, phones, tablets and computers through an internet connection. Families can choose what to watch from a catalogue, rather than waiting for a broadcast time. Some services need a subscription, while others offer free viewing or charge separately for rentals. Downloads may also let viewers watch selected titles without an internet connection.
For children, these services offer familiar characters, stories, music and programmes that explore their interests. Similarly, teenagers may enjoy shared favourites, documentaries and the series their friends discuss. Watching together can create space for questions and conversation. However, a service with children’s programmes can also contain adult films, upsetting themes, advertisements and live content.
For parents, exploring viewing settings with your child helps connect the controls to everyday choices. Ask them to show you how they choose a programme, change profiles and start another episode. Then review age restrictions, adult profile locks, purchases, privacy and playback. Explain why you chose each setting, and agree when and where viewing fits around sleep, school and other activities.
Explore TV and movie streaming services
Select a service image or name to open its CODA guide. Check the account, subscription and device your family uses, because controls can differ. The directory begins with Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV, NOW and Discovery+. Paramount+ and HBO Max follow as additional paid services under review. These are paid TV and movie services. Free broadcaster players will form a separate group as their reviews progress.
How streaming services settings help families
Age filters can narrow the programmes available on a child’s profile. In addition, PIN locks can reduce access to adult profiles and protect changes to controls. Purchase restrictions can help prevent unexpected charges where the service supports them. Meanwhile, turning off automatic playback can make it easier to pause and decide whether to continue watching.
However, content ratings describe broad suitability rather than your child’s individual needs. A profile lock may not protect every older device, and a child may use another account or app. Live broadcasts, advertisements and trailers can also behave differently from catalogue titles. For this reason, test the controls on each screen and revisit them as your child grows.
Privacy needs a separate check. Viewing services can use watch history and device information to personalise recommendations or advertising. Therefore, explore privacy choices as well as parental controls. Settings support family conversations and supervision, but they cannot guarantee safe viewing or replace a child knowing they can ask for help.
Review streaming services together
Begin with an adult owned account and a suitable profile for each child. Next, set the content level, protect adult profiles and review payment access. Watch a programme together, check its rating and discuss anything confusing or upsetting. Finally, test profile switching, downloads and playback on the television as well as mobile devices.
For wider advice, visit Resources for Parents and our Useful Links and Supports. The separate YouTube guide covers its broader video and social features.
Streaming services and directory order
Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends 2026, Ireland informs the first review batch. Its survey of adults reports access to Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video in that order. Apple TV has slightly higher reported access than NOW. Discovery+ follows NOW in the survey. This describes adult access to paid TV and movie services, not children’s viewing or a complete ranking of all streaming apps. Paramount+ and HBO Max are additional reviews. Their position does not claim an exact Irish popularity rank, particularly because HBO Max launched after the survey fieldwork.
Netflix parental controls explains profile restrictions, PIN locks and playback choices. Information Commissioner’s Office guidance explains why families should review privacy separately from parental controls.
About Children of the Digital Age
Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our work helps families understand online behaviour, current risks and practical protective choices. For parents, that includes learning how viewing controls work alongside communication and support.
Send a message
Contact Children of the Digital Age to enquire about online safety education, parent sessions or training. You can also suggest a streaming service you would like us to cover.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
You must be logged in to post a comment.