How to Lock a TV to Prevent Kids From Using It

Locking a television gives parents the ability to place valuable controls on the device. Many units come with parental controls to password protect the television in an effort to limit and control screen time. It also makes it possible to control the types of channels or shows kids are allowed to watch. Restricting shows based on the rating is an easy and common TV lock to implement.

Parental controls have several different setting options on modern smart TVs, and may cover apps, specific ratings, time limitations or even a complete lockout. While the process varies based on brand, the general idea is the same. Access the parental controls through the settings and set up the password or pin to gain full control of the system. After setting a unique and difficult password, set the specific internal limitations like the time allotments and ratings that are accessible without the password that is capable of bypassing the limitations.

On the Samsung specifically, navigate to the "Settings" menu and select Broadcasting followed by Rating Lock Settings. Enter the PIN and set the desired controls for both TV and movies. Exit the menu and all television and movies with a rating higher than the minimum will require the PIN. The default PIN is 0000 and resetting to a more specific number will help prevent kids from figuring out the code.

Apps are controlled from a different menu but they still function with the PIN protections on Samsung specific TVs. Navigate to Apps then Settings and use the Lock/Unlock option to control access to specific apps. Restricting access to apps like Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services will lock the kids out of a good amount of content available on the television.

Setting parental control on a TV will not change access to external devices like a Blu Ray or DVD player. This can also include devices like a Roku or Chromecast because they function under device settings rather than television specific settings. Restricting or blocking access to external devices is more of a physical process. Move all discs into inaccessible place to physically prevent kids from using the player.

Also, consider simply removing the external devices entirely from the equation. Simply unplug them and insert them in a safe place without any access. This will stop kids from watching and the devices are easy to plug back into the television when desired. Take the time to really hide them well, however, as kids may find them and plug the external devices back into the television while unsupervised.

Kids are resourceful and they may crack the password or find a way to watch the television. Locking them out is not always easy, especially when they are left unsupervised. Remove the power cord entirely and hide it while the kids are on restrictions. Without power, they have no way of watching the television.

Other devices can help them find a workaround for streaming media. Tablets and phones make it too easy in many cases for kids to watch movies and television. Setting up all devices on a single platform and using a management system to restrict access to apps and streaming services will streamline controls over every device.