For a long time, my wife and I have been upset by the imagery shown on Smart TV home screens and the apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney and others. The most shocking incident was when we logged into one service and quickly selected my 6-year-old daughter's account, only to be greeted with an image advertising Ridley Scott's Alien collection. The picture showed the famous Xenomorph snarling, with spittle dripping from its sharp teeth! We reached out to the network, and though they apologised, and said they would remove it from the children's home page, the terrifying image remained on her home screen a week later.

Currently, many smart TV systems and streaming providers often showcase films and TV shows on their home screens with inappropriate images or video clips that are unsuitable for young children. This exposes young, impressionable minds to potential distress and fear, undermining the users trust in parental controls.

These images often appear without warning and can be difficult to control, even with parental settings activated. It is time these providers take responsibility by reviewing their content marketing strategies and implementing stricter controls on how they advertise media on family and kid accounts. Even the main home screens themselves are susceptible when TVs and apps are initially turned on! I feel it is inappropriate that when we turn the TV on in our home, even before we get to navigate to the children's account, inappropriate images or videos are shown. Be that of a mobster or soldier emptying their magazine on full auto, a menacing anti hero or zombie up to no good, flipping cars, explosions left and right and sexually provocative scenes a plenty. All visible in either thumbnails or short video clips advertising the film or show and now forced upon anyone in the room.  

By working together, these companies can develop guidelines and technical solutions that align marketing images with the age-appropriateness of children's profiles. Implementing customization tools and content settings and ensuring thoughtful curation of images on home screens which can mitigate the accidental exposure of young viewers to unsuitable content.

I am asking for the support of parents, caregivers, and concerned individuals in urging streaming and smart TV companies to prioritise safer and more thoughtful media showcases for young children. Please join me in advocating for a change that promises a safer digital environment for our children. Sign this petition to make a difference now.