Keeping Safe on Chat Rooms
Please be aware of the dangers of live video chat rooms
A recent BBC investigation found that the live video chat website Omegle has been utilised by those looking to gather self-generated child sexual abuse material, with children exposing themselves on the site.
Interest in the live video chat website Omegle has seen recent increased interest with viral video from the site by social media influencers popular with children and young people. However, there are abusers using the site to groom and have children produce self-generated explicit images of themselves.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has found self-generated child sexual abuse material captured from Omegle being distributed more widely across the internet. Content from Omegle is being distributed across other platforms such as TikTok, with hashtags that are trending, potentially driving further traffic to the site.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased opportunity for abusers to offend with young people spending an increased amount of time at home and online. It is imperative that children understand the dangers when using such live chat rooms and websites and parents should monitor their internet usage.
Please be reminded of our Staying Safe Online guidance and any concerns should be reported to the LTA Safeguarding Team and/or Police.
