Online issues and worries: livestreaming

Unlike posting a video, livestreaming shows what is happening at that moment, so there is no opportunity for editing.

Why is livestreaming so popular?

Livestreaming can be a great way for streamers, influencers and other online users to share their life and experiences with an audience. Because the content is shared live, it can feel more authentic or genuine than an edited video.

You can find lots of different types of livestreams online, for example:

• in gaming, streamers may broadcast live game play and can offer hints and tips for the game – this means that the viewers can improve their game play and connect with people who have the same interests
• celebrities may use live streams to give their followers a chance to have a first look at new content or products that they are releasing – this exclusive content can draw people in and get them more views
• online influencers may use livestreams to connect with their followers, giving them a look at their ‘real lives’ – viewers feel like they are getting a glimpse of the streamer’s personal life and getting to know the influencer more

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I would like to livestream, what do I need to think about?

Personal information

Just like any other content you post online, it is important that you are not giving away personal details like where you live. This can be trickier with livestreams, as you cannot edit or start again. Remember personal information can be given away by items in your surroundings, views in the background, and even what you are wearing (if you stream in your school uniform or team kit for example).

Peer pressure and challenges

When interacting with viewers, some livestreamers take requests from their viewers. This means that streams cannot always be planned or rehearsed and you may be asked to do something you do not want to do. With the pressure that comes with knowing that people are watching you may feel that you have to do what your viewers are requesting, but this is not the case. It’s always okay to say no or to end the stream if you feel uncomfortable.

Privacy settings

Think about who can see your stream – are you streaming publicly or privately?

Are you allowing comments on your stream? People are not always kind about what they watch online or may post things that you do not want to see or read.

Digital footprint and online reputation

Remember that if you say or do something during a livestream, you cannot take it back or edit it out. Because the stream is being shared live, your actions will already have been seen by your audience. This can be especially difficult if you make a mistake or say something you regret.

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Are there any risks of watching a livestream?

When watching a livestream, you do not know what you may see or hear. A streamer may share something upsetting, inappropriate or offensive which could be upsetting or worrying for the audience.

The stream itself is not the only place where you may be faced with something you do not want to see. Comments by other viewers can also be upsetting or worrying. People may use the chat on livestreams to promote their own pages and interests, which may have nothing to do with the stream you are watching.

If you see or hear something upsetting in a livestream or the chat, including online bullying, you should talk to a trusted adult about what you have seen and how it made you feel.

You may then be able to block the user, or unfollow the account, and report the user to the platform using the report tool.

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I did something I regret in a livestream; can I take it back? 

Unfortunately, a livestream is viewed as it is happening. This means that anything done or said on the stream is seen by viewers as it happens and you cannot stop them from viewing it.

However, you can help stop any further people seeing it by stopping the stream and deleting the post. Remember, there is also a chance that your viewers have recorded your stream and could send it on further. If this happens, you should talk to an adult you trust and see if you can report the content where it has been shared.

If a livestream showing someone under the age of 18 naked, semi-naked (in underwear) or doing something sexual is recorded and shared on, this is illegal activity and can be reported using Childline’s Report Remove tool.