Twitch is a platform used by gamers for live-streaming.
Gamers can live-stream the game that they’re playing, along with a video feed of themselves. Users can follow broadcasters for free or else, subscribe to the channel for a fee. Gamers can get paid for streaming. To discover more about a specific game you need to click on the one you are interested in from the homepage.
⭐️ Fun Fact! ⭐️ Twitch.tv has over 15 million DAILY users.
It’s more than just gaming streams…
Twitch is also used for live-streaming other things too including;
? KSI vs Logan Paul’s notorious Boxing Match.
? Baking & Cooking shows.
? Drawing & Painting.
? Music.
? Programming.
Twitch streams can be viewed on the official Twitch website and via one of the official Twitch apps which are available for iOS, Android, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
What should you be aware of?
⚠️ Users can chat privately (this is called a Whisper) – you can limit who can whisper to you in your settings.
⚠️ Whilst it may seem harmless, many of the games being played have violent content, e.g. Call of Duty, which has a rating of 18+.
⚠️ No child-friendly filter.Content users can view isn’t restricted based on the age of the account holder.
⚠️ Chat rooms run alongside the live-stream, while it does have moderators content can only be moderated after it is posted.
⚠️ There is advertising along the side of the site.
⚠️ Twitchers who stream also may use inappropriate language, which may be an issue especially if younger kids are watching.
Worried?
Take 15 minutes to explore the site yourself and watch some streams. If there is a streamer that children in your care particularly like, watch a few of their streams to get a taste for whether it is appropriate or not.
Twitch’s terms of service state that if you are between the ages of 13 and 18, you may only use Twitch under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Basic Safety Settings
? There is a ‘Report‘ button beside the user’s stream, however you can only report a user once you are logged in.
? Certain words can be set as blocked in the chat, for example swear words.
? In Settings, you can block messages, whispers and invites from people you don’t follow.