Skip to content ↓

Keeping Children Safe on Live‑Streaming Platforms

 

Live-streaming has become a huge part of how young people spend time online. This includes watching gamers on Twitch, chatting on Instagram Live, or browsing live shopping streams. However, with that comes risks that parents and carers need to be aware of.

Live-streaming simply means broadcasting video in real time. Because it’s live, there’s no delay, no editing, and no guaranteed filter on what your child might see or who might try to contact them.

Below are some top tips for BHCS parents/guardians:

Where young people are 'live-streaming'?

The most popular platforms include:

  • Twitch and Kick.com – mainly used for gaming streams. Both have a minimum age of 13.

  • TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube Live – widely used social media platforms where users can watch or host live streams. Requirements vary (e.g., YouTube requires users to be 16 to go live).

  • Whatnot – a live shopping app popular for selling vintage clothing and collectibles. Teens aged 13–17 can use it only through a parent or guardian’s account.

  • Bigo – rated 18+ and includes one‑to‑one video chats with strangers. Children should not be accessing this platform.

Although these platforms set age limits, it’s often easy for younger users to find ways to sign up.

What are the risks?

Because live streams are unedited and happen in real time, it’s harder to control what appears on-screen. Therefore, children may be exposed to bullying, content that’s inappropriate for their age, or fake information.

There’s also the risk of strangers contacting young people through chat functions. Twitch, for example, is regarded by some as one of the main platforms used to ‘groom’ children online.

Four practical steps to help keep your child safe

1. Know what they’re watching

Watch together when you can, or ask which streamers they follow. A quick look at a channel can help you judge whether it’s age‑appropriate.

2. Encourage them to talk only to people they know

Remind your child that anyone can pretend to be someone else online. They should avoid sharing personal information such as their full name, school, or location.

3. Use filters and restrictions

Most platforms offer some level of control:

  • Twitch – restrict chat content and block private messages (“whispers”).

  • Kick.com – streamers can add moderators, but young users may struggle to manage this alone.

  • YouTube Live – streamers can limit who comments; viewers can only restrict chat if added as moderators.

  • TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X – each has parental controls and privacy settings that can limit who interacts with your child.

4. Make sure they know how to report and block

Every platform has tools to report harmful behaviour. Typically, selecting the three‑dot icon on a profile or stream will bring up options to Report or Block. Knowing how to use these features empowers young people to protect themselves and others.

What else can help?

  • Keep communication open. Encourage your child to tell you if they see something upsetting or if someone behaves inappropriately.

  • Look out for signs of online bullying, such as withdrawal, anxiety, changes in sleep or eating, or reluctance to go to school.

  • Let the school know if your child experiences bullying online so we can support them.

Cookie Policy