KICK
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Kick is a newer live-streaming platform trying to compete with Twitch by paying creators more and allowing more flexible content, but it has a smaller community and more controversy. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content While Kick has moderation teams and reporting tools in place, some streams may include mature themes such as strong language, sexual references, gambling discussions, or substance use. Content styles and presentation can vary widely depending on the creator, and categories like “Just Chatting” may include more informal or adult-oriented conversations. Parents and guardians should be aware that not all content may be suitable for younger audiences and should stay involved in their teen’s use of the platform. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Kick allows users to watch live streams without creating an account, meaning young people can access content immediately without sign-in checks. Creating an account only requires basic details such as an email, and age confirmation (such as clicking to confirm they are over 18 for adult themes) relies on self-declaration rather than formal verification. Users can chat, message, and stream, so it’s important that young people avoid sharing personal information. Parents and educators should encourage use of privacy settings and remain involved to help reduce risks such as unwanted contact or scams. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Because Kick is highly interactive, users may encounter negative behaviour such as harassment, offensive language, or bullying in live chats. While moderation tools and reporting features are available, they may not always be used consistently, particularly in smaller or less moderated streams. 📢 Lack of Accountability Kick promotes a strong focus on open expression, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent moderation and enforcement of community guidelines. As a result, some streams may include offensive or harmful content, and creators who have faced restrictions on other platforms may also choose to use Kick. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Because Kick allows open interaction through chat and messaging, there is a risk that adults may attempt to contact or build relationships with younger users. While the platform has reporting and moderation tools, not all harmful behaviour may be detected, so it is important that parents and educators remain aware of who young people are interacting with online and encourage safe communication practices. 🚨 Gambling and Financial Risk Content Kick includes categories featuring gambling-related streams such as online casinos, sports betting, and slots. Some creators may partner with betting platforms or discuss gambling in ways that can appear appealing or exciting. Parents and educators should be aware that this type of content may influence young people’s attitudes toward gambling and financial risk. 💸 In-Game Purchases and Spending Streamers may showcase games that include in-game purchases or paid features, which can encourage viewers - particularly younger audiences - to spend money. It’s important for parents and educators to be aware that these promotions may not always clearly explain the costs or risks associated with in-game spending. 💬 Direct Messaging Direct messaging on Kick allows users to communicate privately, which can present risks if messages are unsolicited or inappropriate. While safety and reporting tools are available, filtering and controls may vary, so parents and educators should encourage young people to use privacy settings and report any concerning contact. 🔓 Scams and Account Security Users on Kick may encounter scams such as fake giveaways, phishing links, or impersonation attempts. These can lead to loss of account access or exposure of personal information, so it’s important for young people to avoid suspicious links and report any concerns. ❌ Location Sharing Kick does not include a built-in live location or real-time GPS sharing feature, and the platform does not require users to share their physical location to use the service. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📘 Kick offers a Guide for Parents and Educators, available to view here. 📲 Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with the platforms 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. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you 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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