TikTok
TikTok is a video sharing social media platform. Users can create and share their own videos, watch other's videos and react to or comment on them. Official age rating: 13+ Parents say there is a high risk of seeing drink, drugs & crime. Have a look at the NSPCC page for more information.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a social media app. Users send photos, videos or messages to the people they have added on the app. Pictures and videos are usually only visible for a short period of time before disappearing. For 'Snaps' this is seconds. For 'Stories' this is up to 24 hours. Snapchat has recently added a 'Meet Up' feature. If your child is sharing their location, other users would be able to get directions to where your child is. Encourage them to turn their location sharing off, and only be 'friends' on the app with people they know and trust offline. See the factsheet from The Key for more information on how to keep your child safe on Snapchat. Official age rating: 13+ On Net-Aware parents say there is a high risk of bullying and sexual content.
Whatsapp
Whatsapp is an instant messaging app. You can send messages, images and videos to your contacts, individually and in group chats. You can also share your live location. Official age rating: 16+ (as of April 2018, it has previously been 13+)
Instagram
Instagram is a social media app. Users can post photos and videos to their profile, or their stories which often disappear after 24 hours. Parents say there is a high risk of bullying and sexual content. So please have a look at the NSPCC website for more information. Official age rating: 13+
Facebook and Messenger
Facebook is a social media platform. Users create a page about themselves. They can add friends, write on people's pages, message people, join groups, share photos and videos, play games, watch live streams, share your live location etc. It is an all encompassing social media site! Official age rating: 13+ On Net-Aware parents say there are a number of high risks, including sexual content, violence & hatred and bullying. Facebook has a wide range of functions and a very large user base.
Discord
Discord is a chat service aimed at gamers using text, voice and video chat. Some games have official Discords for their players. Users can also set up their own groups. Official age rating: 13+
Steam
Steam is an entertainment platform and app where you can play, discuss and create games. You can chat to other members of the community in and outside of games. You can also live stream games. Official age rating: 13+ Parents say there is a high risk of sexual content and bullying. Have a look at their website for more information.
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is the online service for Xbox consoles. There is a free and a paid membership version. As well as talking using chat or voice during gaming, you can also send friend requests, compare gaming stats and chat privately. The profile is attached to the person, not the console, so you can log into your account on a friend's Xbox. Use the Xbox website for more information on parental controls including controlling or requiring permission for purchases.
Playstation Network
The Playstation Network is the online service for Playstation consoles. There is a free and paid membership version. Use the Playstation website for more information on parental controls.
Horizon Worlds by Meta
Meta has opened up Horizon Worlds, a new VR game/space for teens. Find out more at parentzone .
Social media and gaming
