live.ly
Live.ly is a live video streaming product that allows children to broadcast their “channel” to other users. There is no option to make your profile private, so any broadcast can be seen by any user. This app is made by the developers of Musical.ly and users can sign in with their Musical.ly username, linking the profiles on both apps. If your child has both apps and has shared any of their private info or location on Musical.ly, any Live.ly user can see it and send them a private message without having to be a friend or a follower. As with any live streaming product, there are concerns over what your child is sharing and what they are seeing from other users. We have seen cases of children willing to share adult content with other users. Anyone can comment on their broadcast, inviting them into a private conversation on another app that creates less evidence. Bullying is also an issue, as we often see children making mean comments about other children on live streams. This product has high risks for bullying, sharing adult content, meeting strangers, and sexting. No minor should use this app.
This app, especially when linked with a Musical.ly profile, can be very dangerous for your child to use. Your child may have difficulty understanding why they are not allowed to use this app. Try asking your child what they enjoy about it. If they enjoy the live video chat element, there are many safer apps they can use to video chat with known friends and family only that are easier to monitor. Refer to our Parent’s Guide section for tips on how to talk to your child about the risks of meeting strangers, sexting, bullying, and sharing adult content.
To see live.ly in iTunes, click here
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