YouTube
A video sharing website and app that enables users to upload, view, rate, share and comment on a wide variety of videos. Some of our children own YouTube accounts, and many more watch YouTube videos, so we're including this guide to help parents keep their children safe.
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YouTube Kids
This works just like YouTube except with added parental controls and the filtering of videos deemed inappropriate for a younger audience. It has become increasingly popular, however it isn’t always a failsafe. In some cases, parental controls are still advised. See the leaflet on the right.
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Twitter
A social networking site where users can post 'tweets' or short messages, photos and videos publicly. They can also share tweets written by others to their followers. Twitter is popular with young people, as it allows them to interact with celebrities, stay up to date with news, trends and current social relevance. The guide provides tips for parents whose children use Twitter.
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WhatsApp
One of the most popular messaging apps in the world. It is used to send and receive text, photos, videos and documents, as well as to make voice and video calls. If your child is using WhatsApp, there are some tips in the leaflet to help keep them safe.
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Telegram
A free messaging service which is very similar to WhatsApp. Users can message each other as well as send images, videos, audio clips and other files. Users can also create groups and broadcast messages to a worldwide audience. Read the guide on the right for more information.
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Snapchat
A photo-sharing app for mobile phones and tablets. The app allows users to share images and videos, and to chat with friends through voice call or text message. In a study, Snapchat was ranked the 4th most negative app in terms of having an impact on young people's health and wellbeing, with children feeling that they can use Snapchat to "make you look pretty". More info in the guide on the right.
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YOLO
An anonymous question and answer app that works in combination with Snapchat. It has become hugely popular amongst children, as it offers them the opportunity to join in anonymous Q&A without having to reveal their identities. This can offer children a real sense of self-worth when they receive positive comments, but can also have serious drawbacks if abused. See the leaflet for more info.
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Kik
A messaging app similar to WhatsApp. It lets users exchange messages, photos, videos and webpages. Kik is unusual in that your child can sign up without a phone number and then find and message other people via just their username. Kik is aimed at anyone aged 13 years and older - the app says teens between 13 and 18 years old will need parental permission, but it does not verify ages. See the PDF on the right for more information.
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Twitch
Describing itself as a 'community of millions who come together to create their own unique, live, unpredictable, never-to-be-repeated entertainment', Twitch is a popular platform for online gaming enthusiasts. With young children and teenagers using the platform, it's important for parents to be aware of the associated risks. See more info in the leaflet.
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Reddit
A rather unique site that blends the idea of a social network with news, discussion forums and various other media. The leaflet contains some helpful tips for parents.
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TikTok
A global video community where users create, share and discover 'funny and memorable moments' via short video clips - typically about 15 seconds long. See the leaflet for some helpful parents' tips.
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Like or Likee
A free video creation and editing app similar to TikTok. Users can create any type of video, add their own special effects and then upload and share them with the world. The app is largely used to create short music videos which users can star in and edit. Users share their videos on the platform as well as having the option to share across other social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Due to the suggestive content that is available on the app, it has a recommended age of 16+. See the guide on the right for more info.
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Live Me
A streaming video app that lets you watch live streams and broadcast your own live videos to anyone interested. The service is aimed at giving creators a "platform to reach a wide audience and share their talents and passions directly with their fans". Users can buy virtual coins and gifts and send these to broadcasters who create content 'they love', which can be redeemed for real money. See more information in the leaflet.
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Tumblr
A popular social media platform and 'microblogging' site with over 463 million blogs on its platform. In Europe you must be over 16 to sign up, but the age limit is just 13 elsewhere. As with all social media, there are risks to children. Learn more about Tumblr in the leaflet.
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Discord
With over 14 million daily users, Discord is one of the most popular communication tools for gamers. It allows users to create or join what are known as ‘servers’, where different users can talk in groups via
text message or voice call. There is also an option to send direct messages and make video calls. See the leaflet for some useful info.
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FaceApp
Users upload images of someone's face and add interesting filters - making themselves look older, younger, appear with different hair colour, and so on. The app uses the phone's camera to take a selfie or users can use pictures from somewhere else like Facebook or Instagram. While this all sounds like innocent fun, there have been some concerns raised about the terms and conditions, and what the company is doing with all these pictures. See the leaflet on the right.
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Houseparty
A live streaming app described as a face-to-face social network where people 'drop in' on each other to video chat, leave messages and hang out in groups. The recommended age for this app is 13+, but if you discover that your child is using this app, read this guide for some useful information.
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Instagram
A photo sharing app that allows users to share images and videos with the world. The app has a live streaming feature where users can broadcast videos live, worldwide. There are some tips in the leaflet for parents whose children are using Instagram.
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Among Us
Among Us is one of the most popular games of 2020. A space-themed game where 4-10 players take on the guise of Crewmates, who must complete various tasks around their spaceship, while randomly selected Imposters must try their hardest to sabotage the others' efforts. While Among Us is a largely safe game, it's still prudent to be aware of any potential risks young ones might encounter when playing. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as hacking, mild violence and inappropriate language.
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Minecraft
Played by millions of children around the world. Players have the freedom to build their own landscapes and creations. They also have the opportunity to explore other people's creations with their characters, connecting to online servers which other players can create. If your child is playing Minecraft, there are some tips in the leaflet to help keep them safe.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (COD)
The 17th entry in the Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops Cold War follows the series' formula of high-octane firefights. But just how violent is it? Are there any potential risks beyond the on-screen carnage? Should children be playing it at all? The guide on the right has the answers.
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League of Legends (LOL)
One of the most popular video games in the world, with millions of monthly players. Two teams of five face off in order to destroy the other's base. PEGI rates League of Legends as PEGI 12; but the terms of use state that the proper age to play is 13+. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as how to monitor gameplay, how to disable in-game spending, and how to spot the signs of gaming addiction.
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PUBG
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, known as PUBG for short, is an online multiplayer gaming experience, and one of the most popular games in the world. Click the PDF for more information, and tips for parents whose children are playing this game.
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Roblox
A multi-player online gaming platform which allows children to play and create a variety of 3D games. It also features online payments. There are some tips in the leaflet for parents whose children are playing this game.
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Fortnite: Battle Royale
A free-to-play section of the game 'Fortnite', with an age restriction of 12+. Players compete with others online to be the last survivor. Players have to find items such as weapons to help them survive longer. There are some tips in the guide to help keep children safe if they're playing.
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Apex Legends
A multiplayer video game which is free to play. In this game, twenty squads compete against each other to be the last team standing, all the while killing enemies to emerge victorious. The game has a 16+ rating due to its realistic violence. See the leaflet on the right for more info.
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Call of Duty (COD)
An online first-person shooter game with extremely violent themes. In the game, players can customise their character and weapons, and then battle each other online. COD has an 18+ rating, but if you discover that your child is playing this game, see the guide for some useful information.
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Grand Theft Auto (GTA)
An action-adventure video game series where players control criminals and wreak havoc in order to complete missions and progress through the game. GTA has an 18+ rating due to its extremely adult themes, but if you discover that your child is playing this game, read the guide for some useful information.
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