Google Meet is a video meeting app that lets you send written messages and share your screen. It’s designed for businesses but can also be used for personal use. The free version lets you chat with up to 100 people.
Official age rating
Medium Risk
Medium Risk
Medium Risk
Medium Risk
Medium Risk
Remind your child not to share chat links in public, like on social media.
Google Meet might be used for home learning between teachers and pupils (sometimes called remote or distance learning) but you need a Google account to use it. If your child is using Google Meet for school, talk to their teacher about how they can use it safely. Google has information on setting up Meet for home learning that’s helpful.
We also recommend supervising children while they’re learning from home, to help keep them safe. And let them know they can talk to you about anything that worries them.
You can’t block someone on Meet, but if somebody who isn't on the chat invite tries to join, the host has to either admit or deny them entry. Make sure your child knows to click deny for anybody they don’t recognise.
If other people admit somebody your child doesn’t know, show them how to leave a chat. Exiting a meeting differs if you’re on a desktop, mobile or tablet, so explore how to do it on each device that has Google Meet on it.
Exploring apps, sites and games together is a great way to involve your child in the decision-making process.
Be positive about what you see, but also be open about your concerns. Ask them what they think is appropriate and what worries them.
If you decide it’s not appropriate, then make sure you explain your reasons why.
You might decide it’s ok for your child to use. If so, make sure you follow the tips below to ensure it’s as safe as possible. And work out a time when you’ll next discuss the app.
Your child might see something upsetting or receive negative messages from other people on Meet. If this happens, they might want to use the ‘report abuse’ button.
You can report something on Google Meet by using the control panel at the bottom of the screen and selecting ‘More options > Report abuse’.
Take the time to explore the report feature with your child, discussing when and why they might want to use it.
And remember to let your child know that they can always talk to you about anything they see online.
If your child is the host of a chat they’ll be able to mute, pin or remove people from chats.
Explore these features with your child and talk to them about when they might want to use them.
Remind them to not misuse these tools when they’re chatting with their friends because they’re to keep chats safe and friendly.
Remind your child not to share chat links in public, such as on social media. It’s best to keep chats between people your child knows.
If your child is hosting a chat, they can use the deny feature to stop people entering chats they don’t know.
If somebody enters a chat your child doesn’t know, show them how to exit the chat and let them know they should tell you about it.
Google Meet has helpful information on how it keeps people safe. Some of the information on this page is quite technical but we recommend reading the safety measures and safety best practices sections.
We also think it’s useful to talk through the safety best practices with your child.
Help your child think about what they share online and who sees it. Compare it to what they would be happy to share offline.
You might want to start by asking:
Use examples that are easy for them to understand: “You wouldn’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.
And if they feel like they can’t speak to you, tell them to talk to an adult they trust, like a teacher or Childline.
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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