BIGO
BIGO
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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? Bigo Live is a live streaming platform available worldwide. It lets you live stream video content to other users and watch other people’s livestreams. Bigo Live also has one-on-one and group video calls and live videogame streaming. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. BIGO is for those aged 18+. The app has no age verification, which means it is accessible to users younger than this. 🔞Exposure to Inappropriate Content BIGO Live allows users to stream and watch live videos. Some content may be inappropriate for younger audiences, including suggestive material, violence, or explicit language. 🆔Lack of Effective Age Verification: BIGO Live lacks a robust age verification system, allowing users of all ages to access the platform. Children may inadvertently share personal information without realizing the potential risks involved. 💬Direct Messaging Users can send private messages to each other, which can expose them to strangers. There is a risk of receiving unsolicited messages, including scams or inappropriate content. 🚨Concerning Video Chat & Video Call Users can invite friends to start 1:1 online video chat or create a group video chat/ call with up to 12 people in a multi-guest room. Chat rooms encourage users to talk to strangers, which is an immediate red flag. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming BIGO Live enables users to chat with strangers and search for nearby users, increasing the likelihood of interacting with strangers. This feature raises concerns about children interacting with potentially harmful individuals. There have been reports of users encountering strangers with malicious intent or engaging in inappropriate behaviour through the app's chat function. 📱 Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Exploitation: The anonymity and accessibility of BIGO Live can make it a breeding ground for cyberbullying, harassment, and exploitation. Children may become targets of bullying or harassment from other users. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Streaming live means users might unintentionally share personal information, such as their location or background details. Hackers and scammers may exploit the platform to gather data or trick users into sharing sensitive information. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Bigo's features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 📢Underage Accounts: Bigo lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targetting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests: Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behavior less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. 💬Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 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 Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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