What is live streaming?
Live streaming is when someone shares video in real time online. It’s like broadcasting a live TV show, but anyone with a phone or device can do it. Children and young people often use live streaming to:
- Chat with friends
- Show off a talent or hobby
- Play games whilst others watch
- Join live events or challenges
Many apps used by children and young people such as Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and YouTube have a live streaming feature.
Benefits and potential risks
Benefits
Live streaming can be a great way for children and young people to:
- Express themselves
- Build confidence
- Connect with others who share their interests
- Learn new skills or get support
Potential risks
Live streaming also has potential risks for children and young people which may include:
- Sharing too much: Children might give away personal information like their name, school, or location without meaning to.
- No control over viewers: Anyone can watch or comment during a live stream, including people your child doesn’t know. Once live, it’s hard to control who’s watching or what they might say.
- Pressure to perform: Some children and young people may feel they have to act a certain way or do they don’t want to, to get likes or followers.
- Recording and sharing: Even if a live stream ends, someone could record it and share it without your child’s permission.
How to help your child livestream more safely
You can support your child by helping them understand how to livestream more safely:
1. Talk about safe sharing
Explain what personal information is and why it’s important not to share it during a live stream. Remind them not to say or share their full name, address, school, or other private details.
2. Use privacy settings
Help your child check the app’s privacy settings before going live. Many apps let you:
- Limit who can watch
- Block or report users
- Turn off comments
- Choose trusted followers only
3. Set rules together
Agree together on when, where and what your child can live stream. For example, you may agree that content should be planned and discussed with you before they go live, and that live streaming takes place in a shared location in the home.
4. Talk about pressure
Let your child know they don’t need to do anything they’re uncomfortable with just to get likes or views. Praise them for being themselves and let them know they can talk to you if they are ever worried about something that has happened during live streaming. Show your child how to block or report anyone who makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.