Twitch

What is Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming platform owned by Amazon. It is primarily used for gaming but also features music, art, talk shows and the “Just Chatting” category. Streamers broadcast live and viewers interact via live chat. Users can follow or subscribe to channels, cheer with “Bits” (a paid virtual currency), and watch clips and recorded streams. Streams are tagged with Content Classification Labels — users under 18 are automatically blocked from certain mature categories. Parents can set a PIN to prevent children from changing privacy and security settings.

Age limit: 13 years (users aged 13–17 must use Twitch under parental supervision).

Why do kids like it?

• Watching favourite gamers play live. Like sitting next to someone playing, but with thousands of other viewers.
• Live chat and community. Viewers interact with streamers and each other in real time, forming tight-knit channel communities.
• Esports and events. Major tournaments and special events attract many children and teenagers.
• Learning game strategies. Children watch to improve at games they play themselves.
• The dream of becoming a streamer. Many children want to start their own channels.

What are the real risks?

• Unfiltered live content. Streams are live with no pre-moderation. Content Classification Labels are self-applied by streamers — children may still encounter violence, sexual themes or drug use.
• Stranger contact. Live chat, Whispers (direct messages) and raids can expose children to bullying, harassment or unwanted contact from unknown users.
• Spending real money. Bits, subscriptions and gifted subscriptions can add up quickly. Scam links and fake giveaways in chat can also trick children into sharing payment details.
• Children streaming themselves. Broadcasting live means personal information, location or appearance can be revealed in real time — with no take-backs.

Settings to check

1. Block Whispers from strangers: Go to Settings → Security & Privacy and turn on “Block Whispers from Strangers.” This prevents direct messages from anyone your child does not already follow.
2. Hide mature-tagged streams: Go to Settings → Content Preferences and enable filters for Content Classification Labels. This hides streams tagged with violence, sexual themes or other mature content.
3. Set a PIN and enable two-factor authentication: Go to Settings → Security & Privacy to set a PIN (prevents your child from changing safety settings) and enable two-factor authentication (protects the account from being hijacked).
4. Turn on AutoMod if your child streams: Go to Creator Dashboard → Settings → Moderation → AutoMod and set the level to at least 2. This automatically filters inappropriate language in chat.

How to talk about it

“What do you enjoy most about Twitch — watching, chatting or streaming yourself? Tell me about a channel you like.”

“Some streamers can start to feel like close friends even though you have never met them. Do you ever feel that way about anyone you watch?”

“Have you ever bought Bits or subscribed to a channel? How do you decide what is worth spending on?”

Last reviewed: April 2026