A guide to help parents and carers keep kids safe
More children now aspire to become live streamers on Twitch or vloggers on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Learn about live streaming and vlogging to help keep children and young people safe online.
Our research shows an increase in the number of young people watching vlogs and live streams (41%) than creating their own content (22%).
However, for those who do create their own content, there are a range of topics they might choose to cover.
Live streaming or ‘going live’ is the broadcasting of video online in real-time (like live TV).
It differs from video chat services like Skype, which are closed calls. Many people can watch live streams at once across different streaming and social media platforms.
All a child needs to live stream is access to the internet and a camera such as on their smartphone.
However, some platforms require their users to meet certain age requirements. Most will require users to be 13 or older. Some will have additional requirements outlined in their Terms of Service.
Vlogging is the combination of ‘video’ and ‘log’, which comes from ‘blog’ (short for web log). While a blog is written content, vlogs exclusively feature videos. Unlike live streams, vlogs are pre-recorded and shared on video-sharing platforms (VSPs) like TikTok and YouTube.
VSPs also have age requirements, with most setting 13 as the minimum age for users. Some platforms have versions for children under 13, which allow them to use the service but not upload content. One example of this is YouTube Kids.
Research from Ofcom found that while 58% of children aged 3-17 viewed live streamed videos, 95% of children used video-sharing platforms to watch any type of video.
While most children prefer to view content, those who like to live stream or vlog might do so for various reasons. Some of these reasons could include:
Online challenges are tasks that spread across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Reasons for online challenges can vary among users. Some include:
It’s important to talk to children about risks of copying what they see online. If they want to try things they see online, consider trying some online. Additionally, if you come across something that could cause harm, make sure to research with your child.
Learn more about online challenges with research from TikTok.
Playthroughs or Let’s Play videos feature a streamer or vlogger playing through a video game while recording their screen. This is popular on platforms like Twitch.
These videos can offer viewers a casual place to chat with others who share their interests. Alternatively or additionally, users might watch playthroughs to help them pass a difficult part within the video game they’re playing.
Unboxing videos feature live streamers or vloggers opening an item. These could include products from popular brands, video game loot boxes or any number of other products.
Many influencers feature items bought from social media or less trusted online stores. Unfortunately, some of these products result in scams. As such, it’s essential to talk to children about the potential risks if they express interest in spending their money on items for these types of videos.
Review videos might accompany unboxing videos, depending on the products. If a child gets the latest toy or video game, they might want to share their thoughts about it in a video.
Other review videos could feature popular makeup products, art supplies or even platforms an influencer uses or is sponsored to share.
It’s important to help children think critically about the review videos they watch. Remember that many streamers and vloggers get paid to share positive reviews of products.
Tutorial videos could feature any number of skills. If your child is interested in makeup, baking or cooking, video games or creating art, they might want to create tutorials. Or, they might like to watch tutorials to help them learn new skills.
Stories are popular across social media platforms and come in different forms. These include:
If your child is a storyteller or enjoys listening to stories, make sure they understand what is and isn’t appropriate.
Additionally, when they hear a story from their favourite influencer, they should think critically about whether what they say is truth or fiction.
Since 2011, the number of apps available to live stream or vlog has increased. From Instagram to TikTok, popular social media platforms now have the ability to livestream and vlog.
The following are the most popular live streaming and vlogging apps that children and teens use.
YouTube remains the most popular video-sharing platform among children of all ages. When surveyed, nearly 7 out of 10 children aged 4-16 used the platform. Further research from Ofcom supported this with 88% of 3-17-year-olds using YouTube or YouTube Kids.
However, when it comes to creating content, few children post their own. Additionally, boys are more likely than girls to do this.
For live streams, YouTube Live is also the most popular platforms among children. Again, boys are more likely than girls to use YouTube Live.
YouTube Live is an option for creators on YouTube who meet certain requirements. First, YouTube requires an age mimimum of 13 for its users unless an adult accompanies them.
Live streams ‘made for kids’ restrict chat, comments, ads and more.
Additionally, live stream is restricted to desktop. To use mobile live streaming, users must have at least 50 subscribers (or 1000 if under 17).
TikTok is the most popular app among children to watch content. Research from Ofcom found that 53% of children aged 5-17 use TikTok. However, that number rises to 80% among 16-17-year-olds.
However, children rarely use TikTok to post their own content. In fact, only 20% of children aged 3-17 said they did this.
TikTok LIVE is the live streaming option available on the social media platform. To go live, TikTok requires an age minimum of 18. This is also true for sending Gifts during a live stream. However, any user over 13 can watch live streams.
Instagram is used by 41% of children aged 3-17. This number increases with age; 46% of 12-15s and 87% of 16-17s use Instagram.
Like other platforms, a low percentage of children actually post their own content on Instagram. However, girls are more likely to do this than boys.
When it comes to Instagram Live, girls are more likely to view live streams as well.
Instagram Live is a feature available on smartphone devices. It allows users to broadcast in real time to all of their followers.
While anyone using Instagram (13+) can use Instagram Live, it’s recommended that under-18s keep their profile and stream private so they know who is viewing it. Additionally, when going live, users can turn off comments. Or, they can set up keyword filters ahead of time to filter out offensive comments.
Twitch is a live streaming service most popular among video game streamers. Unlike the platforms above, Twitch is solely designed for this purpose.
Less popular than social media platforms, nearly 1 in 5 boys aged 12-17 watch content on Twitch. This is twice as much as girls in the same age group.
Mum, Lucie, shares her experience with managing live streaming and vlogging with her children.
GO TO STORYAs children create their own videos and, potentially, earn followers, they could become more confident. However, it’s important for them to understand their self-worth has nothing to do with the likes or followers they gain.
Instead, they can learn important speaking skills, how to create engaging videos, how to write scripts and more. Learning skills rather than chasing likes will support their wellbeing throughout their digital journey.
Discover other apps to help them learn about video production.
Whether your child creates their own videos or watches others’, they likely enjoy the community around these videos. From baking tutorials to video game streaming, there is likely some sort of fanbase who share their interests.
This community supports children’s social skills and sense of belonging. Children with learning difficulties or who experience isolation offline might find considerably more positives as a result.
The real-time nature of the live streaming means there is no way to edit what is shared. As such, a a child might share something intimate or private if asked, that they otherwise wouldn’t share as a photo or video.
Furthermore, the feedback they receive through comments during live streams or on vlogs could negatively impact their wellbeing. Cyberbullying, hate or comments on their appearance could lead to negative self-image.
Additionally, while many platforms have robust moderation when it comes to live streams, children watching live streams might see inappropriate content. If this does happen, make sure your child knows to report it and speak to you.
Learn more about protecting your child from inappropriate content.
Research from the IWF found that groomers use live streaming tools and platforms to coerce children into showing their own sexual abuse over webcams, tablets and mobile phones.
Learn more about online grooming to help your child stay safe.
Just like most social media, the content children see can influence their thoughts and opinions. This might look like participating in TikTok challenges, or it could look like subscribing the online hate and misogyny.
Additionally, users often say or do things online they wouldn’t do in real life. This might include acting a certain way or saying offensive things. Children might feel they can do more online, which could lead them to oversharing or creating inappropriate content while live streaming or vlogging.
Help your child benefit more from being online with step-by-step parental controls guides.
SEE PARENTAL CONTROLS GUIDES
Find more resources below to help support your child’s safety while they live stream, vlog or view others’ content.
See more articles and resources to help children stay safe online.
