Keep your children safe while unlocking more family-friendly content. We test parental controls, kid's profiles, and streaming safety across every device -- all from the UK.
Tested from UK -- using Netflix Kids profiles & parental control features
Using a VPN with Netflix is safe for children only if you set up a Netflix Kids profile (PIN-protected) alongside the VPN. A VPN changes your IP address, but it does not change Netflix's age ratings. Without a Kids profile, your child could still access adult content from the US library. We show you exactly how to set this up below.
These three VPNs combine reliable Netflix Kids profile support, strong parental controls, and easy setup on children's devices. We tested them as a family -- they work flawlessly.
NordVPN is our top pick for families because it goes beyond basic VPN protection. Its proprietary Threat Protection™ feature automatically blocks malicious websites, phishing attempts, trackers, and malicious downloads -- before they reach your child's tablet or laptop. This is crucial when kids are browsing for games or videos alongside Netflix.
Why it's best for families: NordVPN works perfectly with Netflix Kids profiles, and its SmartPlay technology ensures 4K streaming stays smooth even on heavily-used family connections. Setup on a child's Fire tablet or Android device takes under 5 minutes with the app's simple interface.
ExpressVPN's ultra-fast Lightway protocol is perfect for families with multiple children streaming simultaneously. When three kids are watching Peppa Pig in 4K on different tablets, you need raw speed -- and ExpressVPN delivers. Its network of 3,000+ servers handles family traffic without dropping a frame.
Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections make it the obvious choice for large families. One subscription covers every child's tablet, phone, games console, and the family smart TV -- with CleanWeb blocking ads, trackers, and malicious sites before they reach young eyes. At £1.69/mo, it's comfortably the cheapest safe option for families.
Not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to family safety. Here's how our top picks compare on the features that matter most to parents:
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix Kids Profile | ✅ Works | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Built-in malware blocking | ✅ Threat Protection™ | ⚠️ Not built-in | ✅ CleanWeb |
| Ad blocking | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Tracker blocking | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Block malicious websites | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Kid-friendly device limit | 6 devices | 8 devices | ✅ Unlimited |
| SmartTV / Console support | ✅ SmartPlay | ✅ MediaStreamer | ✅ SmartDNS |
| Price (monthly) | £2.99 | £5.52 | ✅ £1.69 |
Follow these steps to give your children the safest possible Netflix experience while using a VPN to unlock more family content:
Go to netflix.com, sign in, and create a new profile. Choose "Kids" as the profile type. Set a PIN code at Account → Parental Controls so only you can change the maturity rating. This ensures no adult content appears regardless of which Netflix library you access via VPN.
Download NordVPN or your chosen VPN from the App Store or Google Play. Log in with your account. The app takes about 2 minutes to install and set up.
In the VPN app, tap the United States and connect. This gives you access to the larger US Netflix library, which has more family and kids titles than the UK version. The connection stays on automatically for every app.
Open Netflix, select the Kids profile you created, and you're done. Your child now sees only age-appropriate content from the US library -- with the same PIN protection you set up in step 1.
Turn on NordVPN's Threat Protection™ or Surfshark's CleanWeb in the settings. These block harmful websites, ads and trackers even when your child isn't watching Netflix -- covering YouTube browsing, games, and general web use too.
If your child has a smart TV in their bedroom, you don't need to install a VPN app on it. Use NordVPN's SmartPlay or Surfshark's SmartDNS -- configure it in your router settings once, and every device on your home Wi-Fi (including the TV) is covered automatically. This also protects any new device the kids receive.
The US Netflix library has over 1,000 more family-friendly titles than the UK version. Standout exclusives include:
The UK Netflix library is decent for families, but the US library is significantly better -- and there are safety reasons beyond just content. Here's why UK parents turn to VPNs:
US Netflix has roughly 1,000 more kids' titles than the UK version. This matters when your child has seen everything available locally and asks for something new. A VPN lets you access thousands of additional family films, cartoons, and educational shows without hunting for pirate streaming sites.
Premium VPNs like NordVPN include built-in malware and tracker blocking. When your child inevitably clicks on a suspicious link or downloads a game mod, Threat Protection™ blocks the dangerous connection before harm is done. Free VPNs don't offer this and often sell your data to advertisers.
When travelling with kids, connecting your family's devices to hotel or café Wi-Fi is risky. A VPN encrypts all traffic, meaning your children's browsing and streaming remain private even on unsecured public networks.
Some UK ISPs throttle video streaming during peak evening hours. A VPN masks your traffic type, preventing bandwidth throttling and ensuring Netflix Kids loads instantly on every device in the house.
Netflix's terms technically say you should only access content available in your region. However, Netflix has never taken action against individual account holders for using a VPN -- the worst outcome is an error message. For families, the key thing is that you use age ratings correctly within the Netflix Kids profile system.
NordVPN gives you built-in malware protection, reliable Netflix Kids support, and access to thousands of extra family titles. Start your 30-day free trial today.
Affiliate links -- we may earn a commission. Prices correct as of March 2026.