Google Hangouts is a free messaging platform that lets you message contacts over text, audio and video, either one on one or in a group. You need a mobile number to sign up on your phone and a Gmail account to sign up on your laptop or desktop.
Official age rating
Net Aware age recommendation
Sitting down with your child and exploring their favourite app or game is a great way for you to learn more about what they like to do online.
You can ask them why they like to use an app or play certain games, as well as who they’re talking to and what sorts of things they’re sharing.
You can also read our Net Aware reviews for tips on how to keep kids safe on popular apps, sites and games.
Help your child think about what they share online and who sees it. Compare it to what they would be happy to share offline.
Use examples that are easy for them to understand: “You shouldn't give your number to somebody you don't know on the street. Is somebody online you don't know any different?”
Listen to their answers. And be positive and encouraging.
Remind them that they shouldn’t share private things, such as:
Explain that you understand the internet is a great place to play, create, learn and connect. But remind them they can talk to you if anything upsets or worries them.
Reassure them that you won’t overreact – you’re just looking out for them.
It’s important to remind your child that they can talk you, another adult they trust, like a teacher, or Childline about anything they see online.
If your child receives an upsetting message on Google Hangouts they might want to report or block the person who sent it.
To do this you need to:
1. Select the person from the Hangouts contact list to open the conversation.
2. At the top of the conversation, select Settings Block & Report . To report abuse, select the “Also report” checkbox.
3. Click Confirm.
We would recommend switching of Hangout requests so people your child doesn’t know can’t invite them to join a conversation. To do this you need to:
1. Go to settings in the left hand corner of the screen.
2. Select customise invite settings.
3. Choose ‘Can’t send invites’.
Explore the privacy settings with your child and show them how to block users in the settings.
Having open, regular conversations with your child will help you to really understand and explore the online world together. Our tips and advice can help you start these conversations.
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