The death of Streamer Raphaël Graven (alias Jean Pormanove) Last Monday at the end of several days of violent challenges never ceases to wave the canvas. And with her, a large part of France discovered that it was possible to disseminate unhealthy content (a man who, consenting, was mistreated daily for 2 years) without being worried. Content, however accessible to young Internet users without too much barrier. So how to act?
Why is the Kick platform problematic? (and why you should know it)
For those who discover the environment of stream, Kick, launched in 2022, presents itself as an alternative to Twitch. This is a site where everyone can broadcast live videos and interact with their audience. Either. But this platform quickly forged a sulfur reputation by welcoming streamers banned elsewhere for having broadcast scenes of violence, hatred or sexual nature.
Its operation is somewhat different. Kick attracts because it is very lucrative for creators (only 5 % commission against 30 to 50 % on Twitch), but also because it applies a much more permissive moderation. Result: shocking videos circulate easily, ranging from physical violence to hateful words (racists, misogynists, anti-lgbtq+…). All, without really controlling the age of Internet users.
Which is a real problem. Because as the psychologist Amélie Boukhobza reminds us, adolescents are particularly vulnerable: “Their brain is not yet armed to step back. Fascination, excitement, group effect can caught them “. Which was particularly true for violent trio sequences.
Moderation, abstract data on this site?
Another problem with Kick, it seems complicated for the authorities to react. The Australian platform is discharged from all responsibility in this case. “The rules of the Kick community aim to protect creators and their freedom”, she says. And if she says she is ready for “collaborate fully with the authorities “ (While Clara Chappaz, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital, said she seized Arch). For its part, the Arcom has already indicated that Kick did not have a legal representative in the EU. A little more complicating the implementation of regulations.
How to concretely protect your teenager?
It is therefore not necessary to rely solely on the authorities to protect your teens, which can be faced with this type of content, but to become aware of this gray area and take measures at home.
“We may speak of prevention, to empower young people, the truth is that no teenager has the psychic means to protect themselves alone in the face of this. The responsibility must therefore be shared. Between the platforms first. And especially with the parents, who cannot control everything but who can at least open the dialogue: to ask what the teenager looks, what he thinks, if he heard …”.
The child protection site “e-child” as well as the websitematters.org, give keys to shocking content
Open dialogue
- Talk With your child of what he looks at online;
- Ask him if he heard of the content (here of Kick);
Set up technical tools
- Parental control : Create a “white list” for the youngest (only authorized sites) or a “blacklist” blocking dangerous sites;
- BLOCK KICK on the devices if you do not want it to access it;
- Set clear limits : No use in the room, only in common rooms, and never without supervision.
Raise awareness
- Explain from 8-9 years old that there are unsuitable content (pornography, violence) and that they do not reflect reality;
- Talk about possible psychological effects : nightmares, anxieties, trivialization of violence;
- Encourage Your teenager to warn you in the event of an exhibition.
Act in the event of exposure
- Dialogue without judgment : reassure your child;
- Supervise your navigation and adjust the filters;
- Report content via Pharos;
- Look for support : 3018 (free and confidential number) accompanies parents and young people exhibited to dangerous content.
“”And recall an essential rule“Add our psychologist.”If it shocks, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, you have to cut. Never stay alone in front of the screen. “
Finally, it would take stronger safeguards: tools of reporting that work, active moderation, and above all a real political courage to supervise these drifts. “”Otherwise, we just run behind the horror … always too late ” concludes our expert.