YOUNOW

YOUNOW

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
Live-streaming app that lets you broadcast yourself, real-time, to anyone who is on the app as well as chat, share selfies, send and receive gifts. 

WHAT WE SAY:
Avoid.

• YouNow is a service that allows users to broadcast themselves and chat with others live. To use YouNow, you need a Wi-Fi-enabled computer with a webcam or a smartphone installed with the YouNow app.
• As a registered user, you can “fan” users and communicate with them in chat.
• Children and young people have told us that users have to do more and more daring things when broadcasting to keep up their viewers, or be axed from streaming. This is a huge red flag for us!

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SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• YouNow has a 'Safety Guide for Parents', where you can learn about protecting children and young people from risk. 
• You should also make sure they're aware of YouNow’s flagging, blocking, and reporting systems.
• If you see a user breaking YouNow’s rules, you may take the following measures:
• Blocking a User - ​On YouNow, users can block any other user from contacting them in broadcasts and on their YouNow profile pages. Simply click on the offending the user's name and use the drop-down menu under “Report” to find the option to "block." On the app, you’ll find the “Report” button by tapping the user’s name.
• Flagging a User​ - Do your part! All users should flag any content that violates YouNow's policies or puts any member of the community at risk.
  
• When you flag a user, the flag goes to live moderators who will review the situation and take action as they see fit. Please only flag content that you deem to be inappropriate!
• Viewing inappropriate content can cause anxiety in children and negatively impact their development. This can include pornographic material, violence, propaganda, racism, and encouragement of self-destructive behaviuor. If you see such content on YouNow, please report it immediately by using their flagging system (see “Trust & Safety”).
• Use protection settings, such as time limitations, or only allow social media usage with parental guidance.
• Outline clear rules for your children. Pay attention to their development. As they get older, they should generally be given more freedom.
• Communication will also become more important as children get older. Explain that you are not trying to control them but want to agree upon a set of ground rules.
• Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices.
• Talk to your children about the risks of disclosing personal data.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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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