TWITCH

TWITCH

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
Twitch is a live streaming platform created for individuals aged 13 and above. Many children and young people have discovered that Twitch offers them new avenues for self-expression, social connections, and the opportunity to engage with vibrant communities of like-minded individuals.

Twitch Creators, also known as "Streamers" or "Broadcasters," encompass a diverse range of interests and talents. Every day, you can find Streamers engaged in activities such as gaming, art creation, cooking, hosting talk shows, and much more.

While not everyone on Twitch is a streamer, in fact, most users are not. Many people join Twitch to watch and interact with each other and their favourite streamers through chat features. Twitch can be accessed through various platforms, including web browsers, mobile devices, and some game consoles. It is free to use, and you can enjoy Twitch content whether or not you have a registered Twitch account.

WHAT WE SAY:
Treat with caution.

For those aged 13+, but discuss safety tips with children.

• Young people using Twitch may be exposed to language or behaviour that parents may deem inappropriate.
• Many of the games watched have violent content, and anything live is always risky.
• Gamer chat means users can chat to other gamers live. 

Twitch has recently implemented new labelling features to categorize streams as mature content. Streamers now have the ability to apply specific tags to their own content, replacing the previous Mature Content toggle. This update reflects Twitch's dedication to enhancing community safety and providing more detailed classification options.

Twitch follows a subscription revenue sharing model where most content creators receive a 50-50 split. However, a select few streamers have a higher share of 70 percent, although Twitch has clarified that this arrangement cannot be extended to all users on the platform.

In contrast, Kick offers a much more generous revenue split for creators. They receive 95 percent of the subscription income and keep 100 percent of the tips they receive from their audience. This demonstrates Kick's commitment to providing a higher percentage of revenue to its content creators. This is one of the main reasons that users are switching to Kick. 

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Twitch has a guide is designed to help parents, educators, and other adults navigate Twitch so they can help keep teens safe on the service. Access the guide for parents and educators here. 
• There are lots of adverts. advertising is one of the biggest influences over children gambling. 
• People sometimes use bad language in their streams - ask children and young people to tell you if they see or hear anything that worries them on and offline.  Chat filters are viewer-side controls that allow you to block potentially harmful language across all Twitch channels you visit. 
• Unfortunately even with moderation, harassment can happen. There are several ways to manage harassment on Twitch. Find out more by using this link.
  
• In chat, some viewers may engage in dares or challenges, encouraging others to perform activities like TikTok dances, handstands, or showing body parts. However, it is important to refrain from participating in these dares, even if they appear harmless.
• If a user requests sexually suggestive or explicit content from a minor, it is crucial to report it immediately. Twitch's Safety Operations team will promptly address the issue. If a violation is confirmed, the offender will face indefinite suspension. In more severe cases, the incident may also be reported to law enforcement for further action.

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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