Development of a Social Networking Platform for Sri Lankan Families with Integrated Parental Controls and Movie Streaming

This study explores the increasing disconnect in Sri Lankan families due to unregulated digital media consumption, particularly through movie streaming. It aims to develop a family-oriented social networking platform that integrates movie streaming, fostering healthy discussions while ensuring safe digital engagement. Grounded in Sri Lankan family values, the platform’s theoretical framework emphasises improved intrafamilial communication and responsible media usage, especially among younger users. A structured survey of Sri Lankan households assessed digital habits, family interactions, and parental concerns. Survey data were analyzed using regression and clustering techniques to identify core user needs and inform feature design. A bad‑word detection module, implemented with Random Forest classifiers, achieved 95 percent accuracy in moderating English‑language content; future enhancements will add Sinhala support for greater cultural relevance. Findings revealed strong demand for topic‑based movie discussions and robust parental‑control options—both of which the platform seamlessly integrates. This model offers an innovative solution to mitigate digital media’s adverse effects on family dynamics and presents a scalable, culturally adaptable approach with implications for the film industry and policymakers seeking to promote safer media consumption practices.