Last Updated on 15th September 2020
As part of our commitment to support safeguarding professionals to keep children safer, our online safety team continues to monitor the emerging apps and platforms that are seeing new interest from children and young people.
Below is a list of 4 platforms that we think you should be aware of at the moment. Read on for a summary of each platform and our top tips for keeping children safer online.
Triller
What is it?
Similar to TikTok, Triller is a video sharing app. It allows its users to capture short video clips and share them instantly. You can watch videos without logging in or having an account.
Age restrictions
If you do sign up for an account, users need to be 13 years or older to access the App.
Apple Rating: 12+
Google Play: Need parental guidance.
Safety Issues
Playstation Messages
What is it?
A mobile app that allows users to talk to their PlayStation friends, even when they aren’t gaming. Users can send text, voice messages and stickers to individuals or groups.
Age restrictions
Users must be 18 years old to set up a PlayStation Network account. Messaging functions can be restricted where parents have set their child up with a ‘sub-account’.
Apple Rating: 12+
Google Play: PEGI 3
Safety Issues
Bunch
What is it?
Bunch is a video chat and games app that works in a similar way to Houseparty, allowing users to video call and play classic games such as Draw Party or Flappy Bird with friends ‘virtually’.
Age restrictions
Terms of service require users to be at least 13 years old.
Apple Rating: 12+
Google Play: Parental Guidance
Safety Issues
OnlyFans
What is it?
OnlyFans is a website-based content subscription service, where users can subscribe and pay for content (photos and videos). Users share subscription-based content with the aim to make money from subscribers. Increasingly users are sharing sexual content and adult images.
Age restrictions
OnlyFans state that users should be 18 years-old. Users are required to verify their age via a video showing their ID.
Safety Issues
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