BIGO LIVE
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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? Bigo Live is a live-streaming social media app where users can broadcast live videos, watch other people’s streams, and interact through comments, messages, and virtual gifts. People use the platform to share content such as singing, gaming, chatting, or everyday activities while viewers engage in real time. The app includes features like private chats, live rooms, and the ability to follow streamers, which can help creators build an audience. According to the platform, Bigo Live is intended for users aged 18 and over, and it uses a mix of AI moderation, human moderators, reporting tools, and community guidelines to monitor content and manage safety on the platform. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Bigo Live is a live-streaming platform where users broadcast and watch real-time videos. While the platform uses AI moderation and human review to detect harmful content such as nudity, violence, or hate speech, some streams or comments may still contain mature themes, strong language, or suggestive behaviour, which may not be suitable for younger audiences. 🆔 Age Restrictions and Verification Bigo Live states that the platform is intended for users aged 18 and over. The app uses age gates and moderation checks to identify underage accounts, but as with many online services, age verification can depend on the information provided by the user. 💬 Direct Messaging and Interaction Users can communicate through comments, private messages, and live chat during streams. While these features allow viewers to interact with creators, they may also expose users to unsolicited messages, scams, or unwanted contact from strangers. 🎥 Live Video and Chat Rooms The platform allows users to join live streams, multi-guest video chats, or group rooms, where several people can broadcast and interact together. Because streams happen in real time, conversations may involve people who do not know each other, which can increase the risk of uncomfortable or inappropriate interactions. 🧑💻 Interactions with Strangers Bigo Live allows users to discover and interact with other broadcasters and viewers from around the world. Although users can block or report accounts, young people may still encounter strangers who attempt to start conversations or build relationships online. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Live comments and messaging features can sometimes lead to negative or hurtful remarks during streams. The platform has community guidelines and moderation teams that can remove content or suspend accounts that violate the rules. 🔐 Privacy and Personal Information During live broadcasts, users may accidentally reveal personal details such as their location, home environment, or other identifiable information. Bigo Live uses data protection measures and privacy settings, but users should still be careful about what they share publicly online. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the App Familiarise yourself with how Bigo Live works. The app allows users to broadcast live video, interact with viewers in real time, join group video chats, and send or receive private messages. Understanding how these features work will help you recognise why the platform is primarily designed for adults. 👨👧 Parental Awareness Take an interest in the apps your child downloads and uses. Live-streaming platforms like Bigo Live allow public interaction with strangers, so it is important for parents to understand the risks and discuss safe online behaviour. 📢 Not Suitable for Children Bigo Live is intended for users aged 18 and over. While the platform uses moderation tools and age gates, younger users may still attempt to create accounts by entering false information. Parents should be aware that the app contains live public content and adult interactions that may not be appropriate for children. 👥 Interactions with Strangers The platform is built around meeting and interacting with new people online, often through live chats and video streams. This means users may communicate with people they do not know in real life, increasing potential safety risks for younger users. 📷 Live Streaming Risks Because streams are live, users may unintentionally reveal personal details such as their location, home environment, or routines. Encourage children to be cautious about sharing images, videos, or personal information online. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts If a conversation or interaction makes them uncomfortable, encourage them to leave the stream, block the user, and report the behaviour using the app’s safety tools. 🖥️ Keep Devices in Shared Spaces Encourage children to use internet-connected devices in shared areas of the home, which can help parents stay aware of the apps being used. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Be aware of behaviour changes such as secrecy about online activity, distress after using apps, or hiding screens when adults enter the room. 💬 Keep Communication Open Have regular conversations about online safety, cyberbullying, grooming, scams, and inappropriate contact. Creating an open and supportive environment helps children feel comfortable seeking help if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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