Parents and carers in Jersey are being warned about young people's increasing use of a video chat platform connecting strangers.
OmeTV advertises itself as a platform for social interaction and language practice, but safeguarding concerns have been raised about children using it
The Education Department said:
"Ome TV has significant, well-documented age verification concerns due to its reliance on user self-reporting, allowing minors to easily access a platform meant for adults.
A parent information sheet has been shared via schools to raise awareness about the platform and its rising popularity.
Katherine McGovern, Partnership Service Manager at NSPCC Jersey, said:
"We've been talking and thinking together with parents, young people, and colleagues across agencies on the island for some time about online safety and how we can best keep our children safe.
"One of the key things really is about parents and professionals learning more about what these apps can offer.
"There's lots of good information out there online, there's lots of really helpful resources for young people, but it is about parents being curious and not furious, finding out about how their children are communicating online, finding out about their gaming activities and just having that conversation, in the same way we would talk to our children about their offline world and who they're engaging with.
"I think it's really helpful for parents to be thinking about asking their children questions.
"If there's anything they've seen online that made them feel uncomfortable, who do they chat with online, if they know those people in the offline world, how they feel about using certain apps and games, and hopefully that will encourage children sharing with their parents, with teachers, with grandparents."
Channel 103 has contacted OmeTV for comment.
Anyone wanting advice is being asked to go to:
NSPCC Jersey website: NSPCC Jersey | NSPCC
DigiSafe Jersey: Online Guidance Hub
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