We are in a world where we are constantly telling our children to eat healthy and exercise, so when I read what Netflix is doing, my mouth dropped open.

Netflix is rewarding kids that binge watch TV shows with Netflix "patches." Now this is currently just on a few select subscribers and hasn't been rolled out nationwide just yet. So what are patches? When a child binge watches selected "kid friendly" shows, they earn digital patches which then form badges similar to unlocked achievements in video games.

Patches? We don't need no stinking patches!

According to a Netflix representative:

“We are testing a new feature on select kids titles that introduces collectible items for a more interactive experience, adding an element of fun and providing kids something to talk about and share around the titles they love,” the statement reads. “We learn by testing and this feature may or may not become part of the Netflix experience.”


The patches will appear as a "red lock symbol" on your Netflix homepage. It's still unknown exactly what you get when you unlock these patches apart from the satisfaction of watching a whole bunch of TV. The jury is still out on that.

Look, I am all about watching TV and chilling. But having my kids sit in front of a TV all day to watch show after show after show just to get a red lock symbol? That seems like a bit much. The weather will soon be nice and kids need to be outside burning up some of that stored up energy and not sitting in front on the TV watching Trolls or Fuller House.