June 2, 2021, Posted By John M

What Is Omegle, And How Safe Is It For Teens?

teens looking at what is omegle

What Is Omegle Known For?

First time hearing about Omegle and not sure what it is

In short, Omegle is a chat and video messaging app that connects complete strangers from around the world. Omegle’s key feature is the anonymity it provides, as it doesn’t require an account or any other form of validation. Basically, all you have to do is type in a random username, enter the chat, and start the cam. 

So what can possibly go wrong? While there certainly is a “forbidden fruit” temptation to the many possibilities that can arise from these interactions, what are the implications for a minor?

It didn’t take too long before Omegle warped into a more adult-oriented dating app. 

While this is ok for consenting users over the age of 18, minors are constantly placed in a vulnerable position. How? Well, they can be exposed to obscene content and interactions with predators.

As more and more parents allow teens unsupervised access to the internet, they must be aware that, besides the obvious advantages, there are also many dangers lurking online.

When it comes to safety, Omegle, unfortunately, is a melting pot for child predators. The situation became so concerning that the website felt obliged to inform its users that “Predators have been known to use Omegle, so please be careful.” However, recently, more steps have been taken to prevent illegal behavior. 

What Is The Biggest Risk Your Child Can Encounter On Omegle? 

There are four major safety concerns associated with children browsing Omegle.

  1. They can be exposed to disturbing or explicit content
  2. They can be groomed by predators
  3. Exposure of personal information or pictures.
  4. Hacking of private accounts, messages, or photo video archives.

Let’s cover them one by one.

1. Exposure To Unwanted Content 

A constant cause of concern for both parents and children! This usually includes strangers appearing nude or carrying out sexual acts. It can also show violent and gruesome footage, bestiality, or child pornography

The reality is that in the digital era, the average age at which a child is exposed to pornography is 11. However, the young brain can still be traumatized when faced with loud acts, especially if there is an element of live interaction involved. 

Since completely sheltering your child will become increasingly difficult after a certain age, it is important to discuss with them what to expect when logging onto the internet.

So, what is Omegle’s position regarding this issue? 

Omegle’s official position is that certain video sections are monitored, but the truth is the amount of traffic is simply too big for their watchdog team. Also, even though the terms and conditions state that 13 to 18-year-olds require parental permission to use the app, there are no controls in place to enforce this rule. 

2. Being Groomed By Predators

Predators are known to earn children’s trust (sometimes pretending to be someone their own age) before trying to exploit them. After befriending them, they might request switching to another platform where explicit photos or videos can be exchanged. 

If they are in proximity, a predator can even suggest meeting in person. 

Some individuals may even try to extort financial gain from their victims. Many cases have been reported (some with tragic consequences) in which the perpetrator blackmailed the victim, promising to spread their personal pictures online. The rise of deepfake technology only makes things worse since normal photos can be edited onto lude scenes. Clearly, this also impacts Omegle’s safety.

3. Exposure Of Personal Information

Minors are often less than precautious when it comes to sharing personal information

Even in an anonymous medium such as Omegle, many young users will see nothing wrong in sharing personal information such as full name, age, and home or school address along with other mundane details. 

This information can be very damaging if acquired by predators or hackers. While the IP address itself doesn’t show in the main chat window, it is recorded in the chat log. A tech-savvy individual won’t have too much trouble finding it, especially if the user isn’t using a VPN.  This only makes the user more vulnerable to blackmail. 

4. Hacking Private Messages And Videos

Since Omegle stores metadata, including chat timestamps, IPs, and cookies, along with captured video chats for moderation purposes, this allows hackers to break into Omegle’s servers and obtain sensible info for nefarious purposes. 

What is the aftermath? The consequences include fraud, phishing attacks, cyberstalking, or doxing. Investing in professional software that locates what websites have been using your personal information is highly advisable.

What Is The Solution To Make Omegle Safe For Minors?

omegle safety for teens

Since banning your young ones from accessing Omegle will only feed their curiosity, here are a few guidelines to ensure their safety. 

  • Encourage your kids to try safer, and more traditional Social Media groups. 
  • Remind them to be vigilant online, not share any personal information, and of the permanency of the internet. Video calls can be very easily recorded or screen captured, and then leaked online.
  • Filter users by interest. While this feature is still in the development phase, it can help select what users you want popping onto your screen according to a mutual interest (like soccer, gaming, or music). 
  • If all else fails, use parental control apps. Omegle directs parents towards third-party tools that can help control kids’ access. They can come in the form of computer hardware, software, or filtering services and are commercially available. 

What Is Happening To Perpetrators On Omegle?

Breaking the law on the app doesn’t come without consequences. Omegle doesn’t track its users through email or subscription, but it does track IP addresses, and can also ban them.

The ban can be bypassed through proxy servers (VPNs), but if there is criminal activity, a digital investigation will occur, and the perpetrator will be found. Cybersecurity systems are constantly updated to prevent users from engaging in harassment, blackmail, extortion, or other harmful activities without having to face consequences for their actions.

Internet And Omegle’s Safety – Wrapping Up

Children and teens should be encouraged to pursue healthy activities that allow both social interaction and exercise rather than spending all day in front of a screen. 

However, one must accept that the internet is an integral part of everyday life. Teaching them to be vigilant and precautious against the hidden dangers that lurk online is a parent’s safest bet. 

If you are interested in discovering more information about what Omegle is, or you need our help to ensure your family’s online safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

We can show you how to protect your identity online, prevent a data breach, erase your digital footprint, and much more.