Is Twitch Safe For Kids? | Carrots & Cake

What Is Twitch And What Do They Offer?

Most kids these days are all about gaming. They play the latest and greatest video games, and some of the kids are even good enough to go pro. But what is this Twitch thing that all the cool kids are talking about? Let's take a closer look.

Twitch is an online live streaming service that focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of e-sports competitions, in addition to offering music broadcasts, creative content, and "in real life" streams. It is operated by Twitch Interactive, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. 

So how safe is Twitch for kids? Well, that depends on a few factors. First of all, most of the content on Twitch is appropriate for all ages. However, there is a small amount of M-rated content that can be found on the site. If you're concerned about your child being exposed to this type of content, you can always create a parent account and then use the parental controls to filter out the M-rated content. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that some of the people who use Twitch can be a bit...strange. Just like with any social media platform, there are going to be trolls and weirdos. So it's important to talk to your kids about how to deal with these types of people. Finally, because Twitch is live streaming, there is always the potential for something inappropriate or even illegal to be broadcast. However, Twitch has strict guidelines in place.

How Popular Is Twitch With Kids?

It's no secret that Twitch has become a hugely popular live streaming service, with millions of users tuning in to watch their favorite video game streamers every day. But what about Twitch and kids? Just how popular is this live streaming platform with younger audiences?

A recent study found that Twitch is the third most popular online gaming service among kids aged 13-17, behind only YouTube and Netflix. This is likely due to the fact that Twitch offers a wide variety of content for viewers to enjoy, including e-sports competitions, music broadcasts, creative content, and "in real life" streams.

What Parents Need To Be Aware Of When Their Children Are Using Twitch

While Twitch can be a great way for kids to connect with their favorite gamers and enjoy some entertaining content, there are also some things that parents need to be aware of.

For example, many Twitch streams contain mature or explicit content which may not be suitable for younger viewers. In addition, there is also the potential for young viewers to be exposed to online predators through the chat function on Twitch.

Therefore, it is important for parents to monitor their child's activity on Twitch and make sure they are only viewing appropriate content. If you're unsure about what your child is watching on Twitch, you can always reach out to the service's customer support team for help.

Chatting With Strangers

One of the most popular features of Twitch is the chat function, which allows viewers to interact with each other in real time. However, this can also be a dangerous feature, as it gives predators the opportunity to groom children for sexual purposes.

There have been several reported cases of kids being groomed for sex by predators on Twitch, so it's important for parents to be aware of this risk. If your child is using the chat function on Twitch, make sure you know who they are talking to and that you trust those people.

You can also set up parental controls on Twitch which will help to filter out inappropriate content and chats. To do this, simply go to your account settings and select the "Parental Controls" option.

Age Restriction To Use Twitch

In order to create a Twitch account, users must be at least 13 years old. However, there is no age verification process in place, so it's easy for kids to lie about their age and create an account.

This means that even if your child is under the age of 13, they can still access Twitch and all of its content. Therefore, it's important to be aware of what your child is doing on the platform and to make sure they are only viewing appropriate content.

How To Report Inappropriate Content Or Users On Twitch

If you come across any inappropriate content or users on Twitch, you can report them to the platform's customer support team. To do this, simply click on the "report" button, which is located next to the offending content or user.

You can also block and report users in the chat function by clicking on their username and selecting the "block" or "report" option.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your child safe while they use Twitch. Remember to always monitor your child's activity on the platform and to report any inappropriate content or users that you come across.

How To Keep Kids Safe On Twitch

Here are some tips for parents to help keep their children safe on Twitch:

• Monitor your child's activity on the platform.
• Make sure they are only viewing appropriate content.
• If you're unsure about what they are watching, reach out to Twitch's customer support team for help.
• Be aware of the chat function and make sure you know who your child is talking to.
• Set up parental controls to filter out inappropriate content and chats.
• Report any inappropriate content or users that you come across.

Co-Watch

If you're unsure about what content is appropriate for your child, watching together is a great way to check. This way you can see first-hand what they are viewing and decide whether or not it is suitable.

Plus, it's a great opportunity to bond with your child and connect over something they enjoy.

Limit Age Restrictions

To help keep younger kids safe on Twitch, you can limit the age restriction on their account. To do this, simply go to your account settings and select the "Parental Controls" option.

This will prevent them from viewing any content that is not suitable for their age group.

Monitor Chat Functions

As we mentioned before, the chat function on Twitch can be dangerous as it gives predators the opportunity to groom children for sexual purposes.

Therefore, it is important to monitor your child's activity in the chat function and make sure you know who they are talking to. You can also set up parental controls to help filter out inappropriate content and chats.

Block Private DMS

Use the Ignore function.

What if you are harassed in another channel where you are not the moderator, or via Whispers? Any user may be ignored with a simple button click or chat command, which means their messages will no longer display on your screen. You may use this command to ignore any person in any Twitch chat area. The function connects chat and whispers, so if you ignore someone in one, they are ignored in both.

Activate Chat Filters

With Chat Filters, your personal AutoMod, you may hide annoying messages in any Twitch Chat. You may change your global Chat Filters options from any channel's Chat settings. Discrimination, Sexually Explicit Language, Hostility, and Profanity are all options. These options apply to all Twitch Chats.

Block Other Twitch Users

By barring other users, you may avoid being harassed on Twitch. To block a user, click their username followed by the 3 Vertical Dots menu symbol. Block USERNAME should be selected.

Use Parental Control Such As Carrots & Cake

Tools like Carrots & Cake help you to keep track of how much time your children spend online, manage content they're exposed to, and set limits on the amount of time they can spend on Twitch.

What Content Do Kids See On Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming service that focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of e-sports competitions, in addition to offering music broadcasts, creative content, and "in real life" streams. It is operated by Twitch Interactive, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc.

While the Twitch service is mostly used by adults, there is some content that kids may be exposed to while using the site. This includes:

• Live streams of video games that may contain violence or adult themes
• Music broadcasts that may contain explicit lyrics
• Creative content which may be unsuitable for younger audiences
• "In real life" streams which may show people engaging in activities that are not appropriate for children

Is Twitch Safe for Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Twitch is safe for kids, and the platform has a strict set of community guidelines and terms of service prohibiting inappropriate content for children. In addition, all live streams on Twitch are moderated by staff members who can remove any content that violates the rules. 

If you're concerned about your child being exposed to mature content on Twitch, you can take advantage of the platform's safety features. For example, you can block specific channels from appearing in your child's feed, and you can also report any concerning content to Twitch staff. 

Overall, Twitch is a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy live streaming video games and other types of content. As long as you take advantage of the platform's safety

Is Twitch child friendly?

Most people think of Twitch as a gaming platform, and it is certainly that. But it's also so much more. There are live musical performances, cooking shows, creative content, and even "in real life" streams. So the answer to whether or not Twitch is kid-friendly really depends on what kind of content your kids are interested in. 

If they're into gaming, then they'll probably be just fine on Twitch. There are plenty of Family Friendly and Just Chatting channels where gamers can interact with each other without running into mature content. Of course, there's always the possibility that they could stumble across something inappropriate if they're not careful, but that's true of any online platform.

Is Twitch okay for 11 year olds?

No, Twitch is not suitable for kids under the age of 11. The platform has a minimum age requirement of 13, and for good reason. Some of the content on Twitch can be pretty graphic, and there's no way to filter it out completely. If your child is under 11, they should not be using Twitch. If you have a child under the age of 11 who has a Twitch account, If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 13 who has become a Twitch Services member, you can contact Twitch at [email protected] to have their account terminated indefinitely and personal information deleted.

Is Twitch suitable for kids under 15?

From a safety point of view, kids 13 years of age and older can create a Twitch account. By creating an account, this allows them to access Twitch content and upload their own content. However as much like with  any online content, there will always be risks involved with other members within the community. As a parent with a 13 or 14 year old child, it’s advisable to keep communication open regarding such online activities. This is likely to encourage your child to share with you if they face any issues, such as bullying online. 

How can I make sure my kid is safe on Twitch?

The best way to make sure your kid is safe on Twitch is to monitor their activity and make sure they're only accessing age-appropriate content. You can also set up parental controls to limit their access to certain features and block them from viewing mature content. Finally, you can talk to your kids about how to stay safe online and what to do if they see something

Is Twitch safe for 9 year olds?

No, Twitch is not safe for 9 year olds. The platform has a minimum age requirement of 13 for good reason. Some of the content on Twitch can be pretty graphic, and there's no way to filter it out completely. If your child is under 13, they should not be using Twitch.

Is it dangerous to upload a video on Twitch?

Generally uploading a video on Twitch is safe, the platform uses monitoring services to minimize risks associated with uploading videos on the platform. However, bullying is still a very present risk amongst youths online. By uploading a video online, your child may be exposing themselves to internet trolls and bullies that hide behind their computer screen. It’s important to keep communication open with your child to ensure that if they experience any issues such as these, they share with you. 

Conclusion

Twitch can be safe for kids, but it really depends on the content they're interested in. If they're mostly interested in gaming, then Twitch is probably fine. However, if they're interested in other types of content as well, you'll want to take a closer look. Some of the live musical performances and "in real life" streams can get pretty graphic, and there's always the possibility that your child could stumble across something inappropriate if they're not careful. As with any online platform, it's important to monitor your child's activity and make sure they're only accessing age-appropriate content. You can also set up parental controls to limit their access to certain features and block them from viewing mature content. Finally, you can talk to your kids about how to stay safe online and what to do if they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable.