I think the misunderstanding here is the Roku terminology. Within the Roku environment, the apps are also referred to as “channels” and it sounds like the original poster’s issue is specifically with the persistent availability of certain channels/content from within the app/channel called “The Roku Channel”.
I’m having the same issue in which I’ve removed “The Roku Channel” app yet my kids are still able to use the search function to find and play content that is available from The Roku Channel app. I’m also aware that the “Securing The Roku Channel” configurations can be used to restrict access based on age-appropriate ratings, but in my case, the lowest option available (“Little Kids”) doesn’t help to restrict the mind-numbing garbage I’m attempting to block (specifically “Lankybox”) since it is rated G. The show comes up in the search results available from other apps (Hulu, HappyKids, etc.) but these prompt the user to install that “channel” since they are not currently installed and I require a PIN to add any app/channel. However, content from The Roku Channel app is the ONLY exception and does not prompt the user to “Add channel” despite the fact that I do not have The Roku Channel app installed.
I’m guessing the “Securing The Roku Channel” options are also useless to the original poster since placing age restrictions on content for their elderly parent’s Roku doesn’t seem like a suitable option! I think Roku needs to provide the ability for users to designate restricted access to specific content available from The Roku Channel (possibly controlled by requiring a PIN for access) since the “Securing The Roku Channel” configurations don't provide adequate control.
