BUNCH
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Bunch – Video Chat & Play with Friends is a social video chat app that allows users to talk with friends while playing games, watching videos, or exploring virtual spaces together. The app supports group video calls with up to eight people at once and includes built-in games, shared YouTube watching, and features like avatars and virtual rooms. It is designed to make online socialising feel like a virtual hangout, allowing users to interact, play, and communicate in real time. Because it combines video chat, gaming, and social features, young people may interact with friends or friends-of-friends within the platform. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with extreme caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Although Bunch promotes itself as a fun social app for friends, it includes live video chat where conversations happen in real time. Because these interactions are not always moderated, children could be exposed to inappropriate language, behaviour, or conversations. 💬 Live Video Chat and Messaging The app is built around group video calls where users can talk while playing games or watching videos together. Children may join calls with friends or friends-of-friends, which means they could end up interacting with people they do not know well. ⚠️ Risk of Bullying orNegative Interactions Because Bunch uses face-to-face video chat, users may experience teasing, exclusion, or bullying from others in group calls, which can impact confidence and wellbeing. 🚨 Contact with Strangers Since friends-of-friends can sometimes join calls or be invited to sessions, children may interact with people outside their normal friend group. This can create risks if strangers attempt to build trust or encourage children to move conversations to other platforms. 📢 Age Verification Limitations While the app has age requirements, account creation is simple and typically requires only basic information such as an email or phone number. This means younger users may still be able to create accounts. 🔐 Privacy and Device Permissions Bunch requires access to the device’s camera, microphone, and sometimes contacts so users can video chat and connect with friends. Parents should review these permissions and ensure children understand not to share personal information. 🔓 Links to Other Apps or Platforms Because Bunch allows users to play games and watch videos together, conversations may lead to sharing links or invitations to other apps, games, or websites. Some of these links could be unsafe or lead to unfamiliar platforms. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the App - Take time to explore how Bunch works. Since it combines video calls, games, and shared content, understanding its features will help you guide your child on how to use the app safely. 👨👧 Stay Involved in Your Child’s Online Activity - Check who your child is connecting with on the app and review privacy and permission settings together. Staying aware of how they use the platform can help you spot potential risks early. ⚠️ Be Aware of Age Verification Limits - Although Bunch may have an age requirement, creating an account typically only requires basic information. This means younger children or older users may misrepresent their age. 📷 Be Careful with Cameras and Backgrounds - Because Bunch uses live video chat, remind your child to think about what is visible behind them during calls. Personal items, school logos, or home details in the background could reveal private information. 🧠 Encourage Children to Trust Their Instincts - If a conversation or video call makes them feel uncomfortable, encourage them to leave the call, block the user if possible, and tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces - Encourage children to use apps like Bunch in shared areas of the home rather than in bedrooms. This makes it easier to supervise and helps discourage risky behaviour. 🙋♀️ Keep Communication Open - Have regular conversations about online safety topics such as bullying, grooming, scams, and privacy. Make sure children know how to report problems and that they can come to you if something online worries them. 🚨 Watch for Changes in Behaviour - Pay attention to signs such as secrecy around devices, sudden mood changes, anxiety about messages or calls, or quickly deleting apps, as these may indicate negative online experiences. 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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