VIBER
VIBER
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MINIMUM AGE: 16+
WHAT IS IT? Viber is a cross-platform VoIP and instant messaging application that allows users to make free voice and video calls, send messages, and share media with other Viber users. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid 🔞Exposure to Inappropriate Content Children can be exposed to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, grooming and potential harm from strangers. 🔐Privacy Concerns Viber collects data, including location, gender, and age, for ad targeting, and may share it with ad partners. While users can opt out of gender and age targeting, it's important to be aware of data collection practices. 📱Phone Number Visibility When joining groups, your phone number is visible to all members. 📁 Suspicious Files and Messages Be cautious about opening or downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources, as they could contain malware. 💸 In-App Purchases Like many apps, Viber offers in-app purchases. You should make sure that your child doesn't accidentally make purchases without your permission, especially in games or for special stickers. 📍Location Tracking Viber has a "location" feature, allowing users to share their location with others. You might want to disable this feature. 🔓Scams & Spam Be wary of potential scams or phishing attempts that may try to steal your personal information or money. Viber has a history of spam and viruses being sent through the app. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Telegram's 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. 📢Underage Accounts: Telegram might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targeting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests: Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behavior less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: 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. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. 💬Conversations: 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. 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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