What Parents Should Know About the Live-Streaming Platform Twitch

It may be challenging for parents and other caregivers to stay up to date with the newest social media platforms because of how many applications our kids use and how quickly they change. The popularity of live streaming has grown quickly, and Amazon-owned Twitch TV receives over 15 million daily visitors. But are our kids secure using websites like Twitch? Here’s all the information parents need to know about the well-known site:

What Is Twitch?

Twitch is an interactive live-streaming website that was created in 2011 and is mostly used by gamers; however, it also shows cooking, day-in-the-life films, music performances, and live Q&A sessions with producers. The chat function allows users to converse with one another in addition to broadcasting. While a person is broadcasting, this may be done on the main Stream Chat or through Twitch’s “Rooms” function.

Rooms are private chat areas that can be created by anybody using their account and are accessible directly from the channel page. They may be accessed from the header of the Stream conversation in the channel of the creator, which is also where Rooms can be joined or established. Twitch users can enter rooms over the web and on their mobile devices.

What Parents Should Know About Live-Streaming Platform TwitchWhat Makes Twitch So Popular?

The gaming industry was where the website first gained popularity. Users quickly develop a feeling of community because of the opportunity to communicate with well-known live streamers. Additionally, Twitch faces minimal opposition in the live-streaming market. Despite having Livestream functionality, other networks like Facebook and YouTube haven’t had the same success.

Is Twitch Protecting Underage Users?

Twitch has doubled the size of its law enforcement response team since it formed a partnership with the NCMEC and the Tech Coalition two years ago.

To identify and remove child broadcasters under the age of 13 and predators, Twitch has “many further improvements in development.” Since malicious actors may exploit this information to dodge responsibility, Twitch is unable to openly disclose “much of the work in this area.”

While Twitch doesn’t have any special parental controls, other services may be used to keep an eye on internet usage. Make sure your kids are following the safe internet usage guidelines you’ve discussed with them by checking in periodically.