Kik

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.

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:

• What kinds of things do you share online?
• Should we share everything?
• What shouldn’t we share?

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:

• personal information, like names, emails, phone numbers, location and school names
• other people's personal information
• links to join private group chats
• photos of themselves
• photos of their body, such as sexual photos or videos.

It’s important to check the privacy settings on your child’s Kik account.

We recommend only sharing things with friends and always keeping your location private.

You can visit Kik for specific information on keeping your account private.

There’s a feature on Kik called Meet New People that lets you start a conversation with either a random user or someone with similar interests to you.

You won’t see the other person’s username but you can share usernames and add each other if you choose to.

Make sure you talk to your child about who they should be talking to and what information they should be giving out.

Kik has advice and information on how to keep your child safe on the app, which we recommend reading and talking about together.

‘Public Groups’ groups are designed to let you meet people with similar interests, but a lot them deal with adult or more mature subjects, such as sex, self-harm and suicide.

Your child might think Public Groups are a good place to explore and talk about particular topics, perhaps because they’re dealing with something themselves. While discussing issues with other people can be helpful, Public Groups aren’t moderated. This could mean your child might see something that is upsetting or even triggering.

Remind them they can speak to you, an adult they trust or a trained Childline counsellor.

Your child might receive upsetting or negative things from other users on Kik. If this happens, they might want to report or block them.

Kik has specific guidance on how to report other users and how to block someone.

And remember to let your child know that they can always talk to you about worrying things they see online.

Public Groups on Kik (talked about in the tip above) deal with a lot of topics and issues your child might find interesting or informative. It’s important children and young people have safe places they can explore different subjects but we don’t think Kik is the best place, because the chat is unmoderated.

Childline info and advice

Childline has lots of helpful information for children and young people with info and advice on:

• Bullying, abuse, safety and the law
• You and your body, including drugs, alcohol and smoking
• Your feelings, including suicide and self-harm
• Friends, relationships and sex
• Home and families
• School, college and work

Childline message boards

There’s also the message boards, a community where you can post about anything from how you’re feeling and what you’re going through to your favourite music, poems and recipes. Every post is checked by Childline’s moderation team first.

Childline support

Let your child know that they can contact Childline about anything, whatever their worry. They can call, chat online or email a counsellor.