VIBER

VIBER

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
Viber lets users text, call, share photos and send video messages to people. This app requires data or WIFI to work. ​The app has end-to-end encryption and you can also have Secret Chats; after your message is read it will automatically delete itself from your contact’s phone.

WHAT WE SAY:
Avoid.

• Whatever safety messages you give about KIK apply to Viber - they are very similar apps.
• The app has end-to-end encryption and you can also have Secret Chats; after your message is read it will automatically delete itself from your contact’s phone.
• Users can chat in groups of up to 250 members. 
• Users can call in any group chat of up to 19 participants by tapping the top icon in the group chat and selecting who they want to chat with. 
• When you start a Hidden-number Chat in a Community, neither your phone number nor the phone number of the person you are talking to are visible, safeguarding your privacy. All both of you will see is the name and photo you chose for your Viber profile.  This was designed as a safety feature, however this means users can remain anonymous when chatting, and poses a risk for children and young people if used in the wrong way. 

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• People are often completely anonymous - remind children and young people of the dangers of talking anonymously to people.
  
• However users are in control of the chats they receive through a Community.
  
• When they are sent a message by someone in a Community, they can choose whether to accept it. When a message is sent to them, they will see a pop-up with the name of the person who has sent them the message, their mutual Communities and the option to see the message or block it.
  
• At any point, only they can decide they want to share their  phone number in the new chat they are part of. Learn more about safer conversations by clicking this link. 
• ​Discuss 'friends' - there is no such thing as an 'internet friend'. Encourage children and young people to only engage with other users whom adults know in the 'real-world', and that they know and trust.
• It can be used for bullying / trolling - ask children and young people to tell you if they see or hear anything that worries them​.
• Make sure that children and young people always use their device in a room whereby adults 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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