YOUNOW
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? YouNow is a live-streaming social media app where users can broadcast live video, watch other people’s streams, and interact through real-time chat. People use the platform to share activities such as music, gaming, conversations, or everyday moments while viewers can comment, send reactions, and give virtual gifts during the broadcast. The app is available on mobile and web, and users can also earn rewards or money from viewers who support their streams. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Because YouNow is a live-streaming platform, users can broadcast themselves in real time while viewers interact through live chat. Although the platform has community rules and moderation teams, young users may still encounter inappropriate language, mature conversations, or risky behaviour during live broadcasts before it is reviewed or removed. 🔐 Privacy and Identity Concerns YouNow users often broadcast using usernames or stage names rather than real identities, which can make it difficult to know who someone truly is online. Live broadcasts may also reveal personal details such as surroundings, routines, or location if users are not careful about what appears on camera. 📢 Age Restrictions YouNow states that the platform is not available for children under 13. However, as with many online services, age checks often rely on information provided by the user, meaning younger children may still attempt to create accounts. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment During live streams, viewers can comment and interact instantly, which can sometimes lead to negative comments, trolling, or bullying. YouNow moderators monitor broadcasts, but harmful comments may still appear before action is taken. 🚨 Unwanted Contact from Strangers Live streaming allows anyone watching a broadcast to send messages, reactions, or virtual gifts. This means users may receive attention or comments from people they do not know in real life, which can sometimes become uncomfortable or inappropriate. ⚠️ Sharing Personal Information Live Because broadcasts happen in real time, users may accidentally reveal private details such as their home, school items, or location. Once something is shown on a live stream, it can be recorded or shared by viewers even if the stream ends. 🛡️ Reporting and Safety Tools YouNow provides several safety features including blocking users, reporting harmful behaviour to moderators, silencing users in chat, and appointing trusted “broadcast referees” to help moderate live streams. The platform also uses moderation teams and automated systems to review reports and enforce its community rules. |
SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:
📲 Understand the Platform Familiarise yourself with how YouNow works. The app allows users to broadcast live video, watch other people’s streams, and interact through real-time chat, reactions, and virtual gifts. Understanding how live streaming and chat features work can help you guide your child about what they share online. 👨👧 Parental Awareness Take an interest in how your child uses live-streaming apps and who they interact with during broadcasts. Talk regularly about online safety, respectful behaviour, and protecting personal information while streaming or chatting. 📢 Underage Accounts YouNow states that children under 13 are not allowed to use the platform. However, like many online services, age verification may rely on information provided by the user, meaning younger children may still attempt to create accounts. 👥 Interactions with Strangers Live streams allow viewers from around the world to join broadcasts and interact through comments and messages. Encourage your child to be cautious about responding to strangers and avoid sharing personal details during streams. 📸 Be Careful What Appears on Camera Remind your child that anything shown during a live broadcast — such as their room, school items, or personal surroundings — may reveal information about their life or location. Viewers may also record or screenshot broadcasts. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts If comments or interactions during a stream make them uncomfortable, encourage them to leave the broadcast, block the user, or report the behaviour and speak to a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces Where possible, keep devices used for live streaming in shared areas of the home, which can help parents stay aware of what is being broadcast and who is interacting with the stream. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Watch for changes in behaviour such as distress after streaming, secrecy about online interactions, or pressure to broadcast frequently. 💬 Keep Communication Open Have regular conversations about online safety, cyberbullying, unwanted attention from strangers, and how to use blocking or reporting tools within the app. Creating a supportive environment helps young people feel comfortable asking for help. 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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