BIGO

BIGO

MINIMUM AGE: 17

WHAT IS IT?
BIGO allows users to live stream, chat with  friends and make video calls.
 
WHAT WE SAY:
Avoid.
BIGO is for those aged 17+. The app has no age verification, which means it is accessible to users younger than this. 

Watch Live Streams 

• This site encourages users to broadcast their lives, gain fans, earn money and become an 'idol'.
• Users can watch lives of popular games, such as PUBG, Fortnite and more. 

FREE 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.
• "Look prettier on BIGO LIVE, once your face is recognised during live streaming or video chatting, beauty effect will be applied automatically" (taken from Play Store). This is a concern especially for those struggling with their body image. 
• It has filters similar to Instagram and Snapchat 'stories' allowing users to change their appearance. This means that users can never be too sure of who they're actually talking to. 

FREE Voice Chat Room  

• ​Users can live talk with people nearby or from all over the world! A huge risk as it means children could be connecting with strangers, as well as disclosing personal information making them incredibly vulnerable. 
• Voice emoji can be used to disguise a users voice too!

Gifts 

• Streamers can receive 'Gifts' in the form of Beans. Beans are brought with real-world money. Beans can then be exchanged by the broadcaster for real-world money.
• 'Gifts' can make the streamer feel valued - known as affirmation online, giving a sense of immediate gratification. This is can then be used a way of grooming children or young people online.  

All of the above can have a detrimental impact on mental health, self-esteem, body image, human connections, sleep patterns and greater risks such as sharing personal information of children and young people. 

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Users are able to search for local members - talk to children and young people about the dangers of chatting to strangers nearby
• Explain the risks associated with streaming a live video to an unknown audience - personal information could be shared
• ​Live videos can receive responses which can mean that inappropriate content can be sent - ask children and young people to tell you if anything goes wrong​. Also make sure they use their device in a room whereby adults at home are present.
• 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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