If you haven’t joined the ranks of the two million monthly users on Twitch, you may be unfamiliar with this live streaming service that launched in 2011. However, I can guarantee your children likely know all about it. Initially designed as a space for gamers to share live broadcasts of themselves playing popular titles like Fortnite—which has my son and his friends hooked for hours—it has since broadened its offerings to include streams dedicated to art, music, talk shows, and even cooking demonstrations.
Owned by Amazon, Twitch enables users to both watch live gaming broadcasts and stream their own gameplay while interacting with fellow gamers. Many top Twitch streamers boast millions of followers and can generate income through channel subscriptions.
As Twitch has matured, it has integrated social media elements. One such feature, Pulse, mimics a Facebook or Twitter timeline, allowing users to share updates, like, and comment on posts.
For children enamored with gaming, Twitch serves as a community hub where they can connect with fellow enthusiasts. The chat rooms often reflect a friendly atmosphere, with users exchanging goodnight wishes and even sending ILYSM (if you’re out of the loop, that’s shorthand for “I love you so much”). However, it’s worth noting that some chat rooms can expose users to inappropriate language and content, especially as conversations can move at a rapid pace.
How Does Twitch Work?
Finding Twitch is quite easy; it has applications for virtually every platform. Users can view streams on the official website or via apps for iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, and NVIDIA SHIELD. You don’t need an account to watch streams—simply search for your favorite game or browse suggested streams. However, creating an account is necessary if you want to follow specific channels or streamers.
Is Twitch Kid-Friendly?
This ultimately depends on the content. Twitch is primarily about gamers watching other gamers, which can be educational or entertaining. For instance, a game like Minecraft is generally suitable for most kids, while a title like Call of Duty may not be appropriate. Twitch offers a range of games, from the family-friendly Animal Crossing to the more intense Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil. Evaluating the content based on age ratings—similar to movies—can help you decide what’s suitable for your child.
Twitch has expanded beyond gaming, now featuring cooking shows and art streams that might be more appropriate for younger audiences. However, locating this content can be tricky, and there’s no single repository for kid-friendly options. You can browse by categories, but the “suggested” content often features material tailored to your viewing history.
Additionally, the chat rooms can sometimes include vulgar language from other users. When you click on a stream, a chat interface reminiscent of old AOL chat rooms pops up. Moderators do their best to remove inappropriate comments, but it’s possible for unsuitable language to slip through. Thankfully, you can hide the chat window if you prefer.
Keep in mind that Twitch is a live platform, meaning there’s no delay—what streamers say and do is broadcasted in real time. This unpredictability means your child could encounter content that might not align with your values, especially in public spaces.
Important Considerations for Parents
- Age Requirements: The platform suggests users be at least 13, but there’s no verification process to keep younger kids from signing up.
- Subscriptions: While Twitch is free to use, channel subscriptions come with a cost, allowing for ad-free viewing and exclusive chats. Users can also gift subscriptions, which could lead to unexpected charges if your child has easy access to payment methods.
- Direct Messaging: The “whispers” feature allows users to send private messages, but you can adjust settings to block messages from strangers, enhancing safety.
- Screen Time: With an endless supply of content, Twitch can easily exacerbate screen time concerns. In 2018 alone, over 1.1 million years of content was streamed.
In summary, Twitch is a vibrant live streaming platform with social media-like features. Parents should remain vigilant about their children’s interactions, the content they consume, and how they engage with the platform. Open discussions about online safety are essential, regardless of the social media platforms your children use. Balancing the enjoyment your kids find on Twitch with necessary safety precautions can help ensure a positive experience. So, let the gaming—and watching games—begin!
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