[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/02\/27103225\/2025-01-Blog-My-kid-wants-to-be-a-streamer_Hero.png” alt=”Teenage boy streaming” title_text=”2025-01-%91Blog%93-My-kid-wants-to-be-a-streamer_Hero” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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What did you want to be when you grew up?<\/span><\/p>\n Maybe it was a doctor, a veterinarian, or an astronaut. While most of us have settled into careers far removed from what we dreamt of as children, today\u2019s digitally native kids have slightly different aspirations. In a <\/span>2024 study<\/span><\/a>, UK children aged 6 to 17 were asked which future profession they would most like to have. Along with \u201cpro gamer\u201d and \u201csoccer player\u201d, \u201cstreamer\u201d came out on top.<\/span><\/p>\n Live streaming on Twitch, <\/span>Kick<\/span><\/a>, and other platforms can offer teenagers the opportunity to express themselves, improve social skills, and build a community – and for a very limited few, the chance to get rich and famous. However, broadcasting live on the internet has a unique set of safety risks that parents of wannabe streaming stars need to be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Live streaming, or simply \u201cstreaming\u201d, refers to broadcasting live to the world on the internet. Streaming is different from traditional video content, in that it unfolds in real-time, it\u2019s unedited, and it allows viewers to interact with you in the moment. You can live stream on YouTube and all of the main social media platforms, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X; but <\/span>Twitch<\/span><\/a> and Kick are dedicated streaming platforms, and the most popular options for anyone serious about their streaming.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can live stream while doing pretty much anything; cooking, performing music, painting, working out, or even just talking about your day. <\/span>However, gaming is by far the most popular streaming category and what most refer to when talking about streaming. <\/b>Gamers often stream on Twitch, showcasing esports tournaments, playthroughs, speedruns, and game reviews, all while engaging with their audience in real time. The games Fortnite, Minecraft, and League of Legends are among those that dominate the most-watched charts on Twitch.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Your child\u2019s motivation to become a streamer can come from a variety of places. Twitch is one of the <\/span>most popular entertainment platforms for kids<\/span><\/a>, especially gamers, so it\u2019s no wonder that they may want to emulate the successful streamers they watch daily.<\/span><\/p>\n Money is also a big motivator for teenagers looking to become financially independent from their parents – but making big bucks requires a lot of followers. As an estimate, streamers with between 50 and 200 consistent viewers could earn <\/span>between $50 to $1500 per month<\/span><\/a>. At the other end of the spectrum, a top-tier streamer with 40,000 subscribers could earn $100,000 per month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not all young streamers dream of amassing followers or a fortune. Streaming to an audience, no matter how large can help a child build their confidence and social skills, as well as exercising their creativity. What’s more, some teens use platforms like Twitch simply to connect with friends and family, playing games together and chatting in real time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Twitch\u2019s <\/span>Guide for Parents and Educators<\/span><\/a> states that <\/span>children above the age of 13 can stream on the platform<\/b>. It also expresses that users under 18 can only use Twitch under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian – although Twitch doesn\u2019t have a strict verification system to prove that a parent is supervising a minor\u2019s account. Any under 13s found to be streaming on the platform will have their account suspended indefinitely.<\/span><\/p>\n Kick\u2019s <\/span>ToS<\/span><\/a> also states that users must be over 13 (or the age of digital consent in their country) and under 18s must seek the supervision of a parent or guardian before streaming. It\u2019s also 13+ for live streaming on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. The latter allows streaming for under 13s only when they are visibly accompanied by an adult. To go LIVE on TikTok, a user must be over 18, and confirmed with a government-issued ID.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/02\/27103531\/2025-01-Blog-My-kid-wants-to-be-a-streamer_InsideImage.png” alt=”teenage boy streaming” title_text=”2025-01-%91Blog%93-My-kid-wants-to-be-a-streamer_InsideImage” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n While it isn\u2019t \u201cnew\u201d, faster internet, better technology, and social media integration have helped skyrocket live streaming’s popularity in recent years – and so, many of us might not yet be aware of its unique risks to children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cyberbullying<\/b><\/p>\n The ability to interact with a streamer in real time is one of the most appealing features of live streaming, and while chat is usually positive, it can be used by those intending to cause harm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Live grooming<\/b><\/p>\n The popularity of streaming among minors has led to the emergence of a specific form of grooming known as \u201clive grooming.\u201d <\/span>Predators<\/span><\/a> target young streamers on platforms like Twitch, TikTok, YouTube Live, and others, using live chat to build trust and manipulate minors into potentially dangerous situations.<\/span><\/p>\n In-stream chat aside, private messaging, or DMs, is a common way a predator could get close to a minor. On Twitch, private messages, or \u201cwhispers\u201d, are automatically disabled for under 18s (but can be manually re-enabled). Other platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have restrictions on private messaging for minors, but none of these measures are completely foolproof.<\/span><\/p>\n Impact on self-esteem<\/b><\/p>\n Whether <\/span>hosting a YouTube channel<\/span><\/a> or streaming on Twitch, putting yourself out there in any form is not for the thin-skinned. The chat feed on a live stream can contain harsh, negative, and even hateful criticisms of the stream or the streamer personally. Your child\u2019s self-esteem might also take a hit if they fail to amass followers or hit the heady heights they dreamed of before starting their streaming journey.<\/span><\/p>\n The reality is that only a small fraction of streamers achieve fame and fortune. If your child has unrealistic expectations, they may be left feeling disappointed if those dreams don\u2019t come true any time soon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Revealing private information<\/b><\/p>\n When we’re relaxed and having fun, it’s easy to overshare without realizing the potential consequences. For children, who may not fully understand the risks of revealing personal information, the dangers are even greater. Sharing details like their real name, location, school, or phone number on a live stream can expose them to serious threats, including <\/span>doxxing<\/span><\/a>, harassment, scams, and grooming.<\/span><\/p>\n Saying or doing something they later regret<\/b><\/p>\n Similar to screenshotting a <\/span>disappearing message on Snapchat,<\/span><\/a> a live streamer could say or do something regrettable in the heat of the moment and, thanks to screen recorders and similar software, it can be immortalized forever. While Twitch does not \u201callow\u201d viewers to record or download someone else\u2019s stream without permission, the platform can not detect people using screen recording software.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Gaming addiction<\/b><\/p>\n On Twitch, streamers are often praised and rewarded for dedicating long hours to gaming. The fear of disappointing their audience or losing followers can push young streamers to play excessively, increasing the risk of, or even justifying, a <\/span>gaming addiction<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Dares, challenges, and requests\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n In a bid to please and keep their hard-won army of followers, a streamer may resort to accepting dares, challenges and requests. These can range from the seemingly harmless, like doing a TikTok dance or playing a game with one hand, to activities violent or sexual in nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The risks are real and numerous, but if after talking it through with your child, you’re happy with allowing them to live stream, you need to get to know the platforms and tools that will help to keep your child safe . For example, Twitch provides safeguard tools like chat filters and stream moderation, plus a <\/span>dedicated safety team<\/span><\/a> working at all times to prevent harm before it happens.<\/span><\/p>\n To help make your teen\u2019s streaming venture a happy and safe one, we suggest combining the platform\u2019s safety features with the following tips.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 1. Get involved with their streaming<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n Consider watching or even participating in your teen\u2019s streams. This allows you to monitor what they say and do on camera while also getting a sense of their interactions with followers. Showing interest in their streaming activities can help build trust, making them more likely to turn to you if something concerning happens online.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 2. Have a safety plan<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n Whichever platform your teen uses to stream, ensure they have the appropriate privacy settings enabled and they know how to report or block troubling users. On Twitch, for example, make sure your teen knows how to block whispers from strangers and ban problematic viewers; and knows how to activate \u201c<\/span>Shield mode<\/span><\/a>\u201d to protect against sudden chat abuse.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 3. Reiterate the importance of privacy\u00a0<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n What\u2019s said or seen in a live stream cannot be edited out. Therefore, it\u2019s doubly important that your teen takes precautions not to give away any personal details to strangers watching their stream. This list isn\u2019t exhaustive, but here are a few ways your child can protect their privacy while streaming:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is live streaming?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What do people live stream?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Why might your child want to become a streamer?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
How old do you need to be to stream on Twitch, Kick, and other platforms?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h2>\n
The safety risks for teen streamers<\/b><\/h2>\n
4 tips<\/b> to help your teen stream safely<\/b><\/h2>\n