BitCHUTE
MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? BitChute is a video-sharing platform known for its minimal content moderation and focus on “free speech.” It was created as an alternative to YouTube and has become a hub for users who feel censored elsewhere. While some use it to share harmless or niche content, BitChute is also known for hosting extremist, violent, or conspiratorial material — making it highly unsuitable for younger audiences. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. BitChute is not considered suitable for children for several reasons: 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate ContentBitChute contains a high volume of unmoderated videos, including graphic violence, hate speech, conspiracy theories, pornography, and extremist propaganda. Content is not filtered by age, and there's no real system in place to restrict access to harmful material. 🔐 Privacy ConcernsWhile BitChute doesn’t collect as much user data as larger platforms, it also lacks robust security protections. Accounts can be created with minimal verification, and there are no parental controls or user protections in place. 📢 Lack of Accountability Due to its loose moderation and anonymous user culture, BitChute enables harmful or illegal content to spread without consequence. Videos that would be banned on other platforms can remain online indefinitely, and creators can continue uploading even after sharing hate speech or violent rhetoric. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment BitChute hosts comment sections that are largely unmoderated, where racism, sexism, homophobia, and abuse are commonplace. Teens and vulnerable users may encounter targeted harassment or harmful ideologies presented as “fact.” 🚨 Sexual Harassment & Inappropriate Content Although explicit sexual content is technically restricted, many videos contain sexually aggressive, misogynistic, or degrading material, particularly aimed at women and LGBTQ+ people. The platform can be unsafe for teens, especially those already facing online discrimination. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming BitChute’s open nature means anyone can upload or comment without scrutiny. While grooming is not as commonly reported as on chat apps, predators may still use videos or comment sections to direct users toward more private communication channels like Telegram or encrypted apps. 🚨 Criminal Activity & Extremist Content BitChute has been heavily criticised for hosting videos that promote white supremacy, neo-Nazism, anti-Semitism, violent conspiracy theories, and fake medical advice. Young users can be quickly drawn into harmful echo chambers that promote extremism, radicalisation, and mistrust of public institutions. ⚠️ Algorithm-Free, but Not Risk-Free While BitChute doesn’t use personalised recommendations like YouTube, its homepage and tags still expose users to sensational, fringe, or radical videos. 🚫 No Parental Controls or Filtering Tools There is no “safe mode,” age filter, or restricted browsing option for BitChute — making it impossible to shield young users from harmful material. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with BitChute'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: BitChute's 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. |