Video Messaging Apps are used for instant text, voice, and video calls. These apps use something called VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) which means they work in a similar way to traditional phones, but use the internet to communicate in real time rather than relying on wired phone lines.
Here are some of the most popular video messaging platforms used today:
FaceTime
Core Functions
- Make voice and video calls using Wi-Fi to friends and family.
- Filters can be enabled on screen.
- FaceTime calls can include up to 32 other users.
- A built-in feature which allows users to record calls.
Age Requirements
Risks
- While its only users who have shared their number that should be able to be contacted, it is important to remember that children and young people may willingly share their number with people they do not know well.
- Any Apple device that has a number saved in their contact list is able to contact that user via FaceTime.
- Calls can be recorded, so any ‘private’ conversation could be shared later.
Safety Settings
- Block contacts on FaceTime by tapping ‘info’ next to the name of the contact, then pressing ‘block this caller’, then confirming by pressing ‘block contact’ again.
- Turn off FaceTime by going into the device’s settings menu and scrolling down until it displays ‘FaceTime’. There is an option here to turn it ‘off’, making FaceTime unavailable for that user.
- Parental Controls can be enabled so the app doesn't appear on the home screen, which would help decrease any temptation to use the app.
- Apple has created its Family Sharing feature, which offers parental control over what children in their care can and cannot access via all Apple devices in the home.
Top Tips
- Remind the children and young people in your care that they should only ever give out mobile numbers to people they know well, like trusted adults, friends, or family.
- Highlight the dangers around screenshots and recording, and how this could be used against someone in cases of bullying.
- Learn how to block contacts in order to better help younger users if they need help.
Skype
Skype is an instant calling, videoing, and messaging service. It can be used for communication with friends, relatives, or colleagues anywhere in the world. This platform can be downloaded and used for free, but there is also an option to pay for extra features.
It can be a great way to communicate internationally and can help people feel connected to others in their lives.
Core Functions
- Send private message to individuals or groups.
- Skype allows video calls with up to 100 people.
- Share your screen, giving everyone in the videocall visual access to your computer.
Age Requirements
Risks
- Users can receive contact requests and calls from anyone.
- In some calls there can be up to 100 people, which increases the chance of interacting with strangers as they may be linked through friends or work.
- Skype calls can be recorded by either using the platform’s recording feature or through the use of another device, which could result in misuse.
- Anyone can send a contact request. If accepted, this means that user can send messages and make video calls freely.
- Skype can be used with other software to livestream.
Safety Settings
- Make a profile picture only visible to contacts by clicking on the profile photo and navigating to ‘who can see my profile picture?’
- Hide any personal information by deleting unnecessary profile details. Users can also choose not to appear in any searches.
- Decide to only be contacted by contacts.
Top Tips
- Don’t share a SkypeID over a public website or forum as this makes someone contactable.
- Only accept friend requests from people you know in real life.
- It's easy to block a user on Skype so they can't contact you. In the app, from ‘Chats’ or ‘Contacts’ tap and hold down on the contact you want to block. Then select ‘View Profile’, scroll to the bottom of the profile, select ‘Block Contact’, and select it again to confirm.
Google Hangouts
Hangouts is a free instant video, chat, and messaging platform. It is available across multiple devices and allows users to have group video calls and chats anywhere in the world with two or more users.
The platform is embedded in Google’s Gmail suite and is easily accessible from the Gmail launch pad.
Age Requirements
Top Tips
- Only talk to people you know in real life.
- Understand how to block someone on the platform.
- Parents can use google family link to manage Google apps and screen time.