Skype & Co: Sometimes it's really difficult to keep up with the kids' app preferences.

As our cooperation partner Saferinternet explains, there are tips and tricks on how children and young people can use the Skype messaging service safely.

Yesterday Facebook, today WhatsApp, Instagram and Snapchat, tomorrow...?! The favorite networks of children and young people change extremely quickly. Parents in particular are often tormented by the question: What is my child actually doing on apps and social networks? We provide an overview of apps that are currently popular with children and young people. This time we are introducing the messaging service Skype.

What is Skype?

Skype is a platform for chatting and (video) calling and as such has probably been a household name for a long time. The app can be used both in the browser and as a download app for your computer or smartphone. Skype was relaunched some time ago and now offers numerous options that go far beyond the basic functions, such as: E.g.:

  • Sending photos and videos, also with filters similar to those on Snapchat & Co.
  • Sending and receiving files
  • Sending SMS
  • Sending emojis, stickers or chat add-ins such as B. Surveys (some functions are currently only available with iOS or Android )
  • Sharing experiences in the “moments” – shared content disappears after 7 days (similar to the status in WhatsApp or the stories in Instagram)
  • Money function : Money can be transferred to other contacts via Skype - however, the Skype account must be linked to a Paypal account
  • Interaction with social bots : These are automated computer programs that can send content to users at regular intervals and communicate with them in chats without a person being directly involved. The range of bots available in Skype is wide and ranges from learning/knowledge bots to self-created quizzes and weather services.
need a Microsoft account to register .

How much does Skype cost?

Downloading the app and ongoing use are generally free , as are voice and video calls from Skype to Skype. pay for calls from Skype to mobile or landline numbers - this is possible either in the form of credit or via so-called subscriptions (tariff packages).

Is there an age restriction?

Officially, Skype can from the age of 13 , and even earlier with parental permission. Since users can freely choose their date of birth in the account settings, this age restriction can be easily circumvented. Children under 13 can only use Skype to a limited extent .

Why is Skype so popular with children and young people?

People like to chat and make (video) calls via Skype - but the service is also often used in the following situations:

  • Online gaming with friends: Although many online games offer their own multiplayer mode, gamers also like to use Skype to communicate with other team members via video chat while gaming. Especially when the players are sitting in front of the PC in different countries, this can create the feeling of being in the same “room” with each other. As an alternative to Skype, many gamers also use Teamspeak or Discord .
  • In advance of blind dates: Sometimes young people meet interesting people via Instagram or Snapchat who they would like to meet in person. Before going on a blind date, people often meet on Skype to get a taste of each other in a video chat. Caution: Skype video chat is often used for blackmail with nude photos (“sextortion” – see below)!

How is data protection at Skype?

  • App permissions. Naturally, Skype needs access to numerous app permissions such as camera or microphone - otherwise telephone calls and video chats would not be possible. However, each user can decide for themselves whether Skype is allowed to read their contacts from the address book. Attention: If you use third-party bots in Skype, you must also grant them some permissions.
  • Skype reads along. According to the terms of use , Skype reserves the right to scan the messages, photos, etc. entered by users for content that violates Skype's regulations - according to Heise.de , Microsoft also makes use of this right. These include, for example: B. Nude photos, glorification of violence or illegal content. If necessary, Skype can even block the transmission of messages or the user account!
  • Hidden privacy settings. The privacy settings are not that easy to find in the Skype app: First tap your profile picture at the top of the screen and then tap the gear symbol. Now you have to scroll down to “Data protection”.

What are the risks of using it?

Like all online platforms, Skype also carries certain risks that parents should definitely talk to their children about .

  • Cyber ​​grooming : In the case of cyber grooming, (male) adults gain the trust of children and young people in order to sexually harass or abuse . Skype is also often used by groomers to initiate contacts. Here's how you can help your child protect themselves from online sexual harassment .
  • Sextortion: Many an online flirtation that begins on Facebook, Instagram, etc. is “moved” to Skype after a while - here you at least have the opportunity to get to know each other better via video chat . In the case of sextortion, criminals try - usually using an attractive female decoy - to get the other person to undress in front of the camera or to perform sexual acts on themselves. The Skype video is recorded and used for blackmail : the victims are made to pay so that the delicate material is not published. Here we'll show you how to recognize a sextortion attempt and what you can do if you or your child have fallen into the trap .

Tips for parents

  • “Skype” together. Go on a Skype exploration tour with your child and try out all the functions and options. In this way, it will quickly become clear where possible security risks are “sleeping” – and you will certainly have a lot of fun doing it!
  • Talk instead of banning. Let your child explain to you why and how they want to use Skype and what the great appeal is. Even if you are skeptical, pure bans are usually counterproductive, especially if Skype is very popular among your child's friends.
  • Agree on rules. Discuss with your child what is and isn't okay on Skype (e.g. sending messages or photos to strangers or answering calls from strangers). Also clarify any consequences if your child does not follow the rules.
  • Avoid cost traps. Make your child aware that only calls from Skype to Skype are free; cell phone and landline calls incur costs! It's best to only make (video) calls on your cell phone via WiFi - such calls use up a lot of data volume!
  • Protect privacy. Take a look at the privacy settings in Skype with your child and set them up so that chat messages and calls are only possible from the people your child has saved in their contacts. Do not allow Skype to read contacts from the address book or share your location with the Microsoft search engine Bing! Detailed instructions can be found at Chip.de.
Attention: In Austria, Skype cannot be used for emergency calls


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