Having launched in 2020, Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming platform that offers TV shows, live sports, and news. Streaming services have dominated television over the past few years — capturing 47.3% of all U.S. TV time, compared to just 24.1% for regular cable TV. 

This shift has made content more accessible than ever, but it also means children can easily stumble upon inappropriate material. With Peacock’s mix of kid-friendly cartoons alongside TV-MA series, R-rated movies, and live sports with uncensored commentary, it begs the question: how do you keep your kids safe from watching inappropriate material?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up Peacock’s parental controls to protect your children from inappropriate content, whether they’re toddlers or teenagers.

What Inappropriate Content Might Be on Peacock?

Even though Peacock offers tons of your kids’ favorite shows and movies, it also has a full catalog of mature content that may not be suitable for children. Here are the main types of inappropriate material you should be aware of:

  • TV-MA and R-Rated Programming: Shows and movies with explicit language, graphic violence, sexual content, and mature themes, including popular series like Poker Face, Yellowstone, and Ted.
  • Late-Night Talk Shows and Comedy Specials: Adult humor, political commentary, and uncensored language from programs like “The Tonight Show” and stand-up comedy specials.
  • Live Sports with Uncensored Commentary: Real-time broadcasts of Premier League soccer, WWE wrestling, and NFL games that may include aggressive language and heated on-field moments without typical broadcast delays.
  • News Content with Disturbing Footage: Live news from NBC and MSNBC showing graphic footage from breaking news events, violent crimes, and sensitive social issues.
  • Autoplay Leading to Mature Content: Automatic recommendations that can transition children from age-appropriate shows to mature programming based on viewing history.
  • Reality TV and Unscripted Content: Shows featuring relationship drama, confrontational behavior, alcohol consumption, and bleeped profanity that can normalize unhealthy dynamics.

How To Set Up Peacock Parental Controls

Peacock offers several built-in parental control features that give you control over what your children can watch. Below, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide to walk you through each option so that you can customize the right level of protection for your family.

How To Create A Kids Peacock Account

Setting up a kid’s profile lets you set restrictions on certain TV ratings, so your child can only view age-appropriate content. It creates a safe browsing experience where children can explore content independently without stumbling upon inappropriate material.

To set up a kid’s profile:

  1. Open the Peacock app or visit Peacock.com and log in to your account
  2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner
  3. Select “Manage Profiles” from the dropdown menu
  4. Click “Add Profile” or the “+” icon
  5. Enter a name for the child’s profile
  6. Toggle on the “Kids Profile” option
  7. Select the appropriate age range for your child:
    • Little Kids: TV-Y (All children)
    • Older Kids: TV-Y7, TV-Y7-FV (Fantasy Violence), TV-G, G
    • Family: TV-PG, PG (Parental guidance suggested)
  8. Click “Save” to create the profile

How To Set Up A Parental Control Pin

Adding a PIN code to your adult profile prevents children from being able to access mature content or switch out of their own Peacock profile without permission. This adds an extra layer of security, so that even if kids try to get around restrictions, they’ll need your four-digit code.

To set up a pin:

  1. Log in to your Peacock account on the web or app
  2. Click on your profile icon and select “Account Settings”
  3. Navigate to the “Parental Controls” section
  4. Click “Create PIN” or “Set Parental Control PIN”
  5. Enter a four-digit PIN that only you will know
  6. Confirm the PIN by entering it again
  7. Click “Save” to activate

Your PIN will now be required to access content above your set rating and age restrictions or to modify parental control settings.

If you need to change or update your 4-digit PIN, you’ll have to:

  1. Go to the “Who’s Watching?” profiles page through a web browser on your computer or mobile device
  2. Click the pencil icon under the profile you wish to update
  3. Click the on/off slider next to the “Profile PIN” setting
  4. Enter your account password to verify
  5. Create a new 4-digit PIN for the profile
  6. Click “Save PIN” to complete the process

Note: You can’t change PIN settings directly from a TV. If you attempt this, Peacock will display a QR code linking you to complete the change on a mobile device.

How To Restrict Mature Content By Profile Rating

Content rating restrictions let you set maximum maturity levels for each profile based on TV and movie maturity ratings. This is especially useful for older children who have outgrown the Kids Profile but still need some content boundaries, allowing you to permit PG-13 content while blocking R-rated movies, for example.

To set this up:

  1. Go to your Peacock account settings
  2. Select “Parental Controls” from the menu
  3. Choose the profile you want to restrict
  4. Click on “Content Rating Restrictions”
  5. Select the maximum rating level you want to allow (options include TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, TV-MA for shows; G, PG, PG-13, R for movies)
  6. Save your changes

Any content above your selected rating will now require your PIN to access on that profile.

How To Lock And Manage Profiles To Prevent Switching

Profile locking prevents children from switching out of their profiles, keeping them in their designated safe space. To lock a profile:

  1. Access your Peacock account settings
  2. Go to “Parental Controls”
  3. Find the “Profile Lock” or “Require PIN to Switch Profiles” option
  4. Toggle this setting to “On”
  5. Confirm your parental control PIN
  6. Save your settings

Now, anytime someone tries to switch from one profile to another, they’ll need to enter your PIN first.

How To Disable Autoplay To Avoid Mature Recommendations

Autoplay automatically starts the next episode or suggests related content, which can sometimes lead to inappropriate recommendations. Disabling autoplay gives you more control over what plays next, preventing kids from accidentally being exposed to inappropriate content through automated suggestions.

  1. Log in to your Peacock account
  2. Click on your profile icon and select “Account Settings”
  3. Navigate to “Playback Settings”
  4. Find the “Autoplay” option
  5. Toggle “Autoplay next episode” to “Off”
  6. Also, toggle “Autoplay previews” to “Off” if available
  7. Save your changes

With autoplay disabled, content will stop at the end of each episode, allowing you to review what plays next.

Additional Safety Tips For Kids Watching Peacock

Beyond Peacock’s built-in parental control options, there are additional steps you can take to create a safer streaming environment for your children. These additional strategies work alongside the platform’s features to give you greater peace of mind:

  • Watch Together When Possible: Watching content together lets you monitor it in real time, discuss what your child is watching, and spend quality time together.
  • Set Time Limits for Screen Time: Set clear rules about how long and when children can watch TV. Consider using screen time controls or setting timers.
  • Keep Streaming Devices in Common Areas: Place TVs, tablets, and computers in family rooms or other shared spaces instead of bedrooms. This makes it easier to supervise what’s being watched.
  • Regularly Check Viewing History: Review your child’s watch history from time to time to ensure they’re sticking to age-appropriate content.
  • Create Separate Email Accounts: Use a parent-controlled email address for your Peacock account instead of one your child has access to. That way, they can’t reset PINs or change settings.
  • Stay Informed About New Content: Peacock regularly adds new shows and movies. Check the “What’s New” sections to stay up to date on any content that may require you to adjust your restrictions.

How To Monitor And Adjust Peacock Parental Controls Over Time

Peacock’s parental control settings should evolve as your children grow. This way, you can be sure that the restrictions you’ve set continue to match your family’s needs. Some things to consider include:

  • Update Age Ratings as Kids Mature: Every few months or at the start of each school year, reassess which age rating is appropriate for your child’s profile.
  • Check for New Peacock Features: Streaming platforms regularly add new parental control options. Visit your Peacock account settings or the platform’s help center to learn about new safety tools that weren’t available when you first set up controls.
  • Verify Settings After App Updates: Major app updates can occasionally reset preferences or change how features work. After Peacock releases an update, log in to confirm your PINs, content restrictions, and profile locks are still active.
  • Have Open Conversations About Online Safety: As kids get older, explain why certain restrictions exist and gradually give them more responsibility in choosing appropriate content. Most importantly, encourage them to come to you if they accidentally see something that makes them uncomfortable.

Other Ways Streamsafely Can Help

Setting up parental controls on Peacock is a great start, but it’s just one piece of keeping your family safe online. StreamSafely offers a full library of resources to help you protect your kids across all the platforms and devices they use, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, Twitch, and more. 

Beyond tutorials, you’ll also find curated lists of family-friendly content, digital wellness advice, and tips for managing social media privacy. 

Visit StreamSafely today to find everything you need to create a safer digital environment for your family.

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