Jersey Parents Urged to Discuss Online Safety as OmeTV Use Rises Among Young People

Parents and carers in Jersey are being encouraged to speak with children about online safety following growing concerns over the popularity of the video chat platform OmeTV among young users.

The app, which promotes itself as a space for social interaction and language exchange, has come under scrutiny because of safeguarding risks linked to children accessing the service.

Jersey’s Education Department warned that the platform has “significant, well-documented age verification concerns” because users can bypass restrictions simply by entering their own age details.

To help raise awareness, schools across the island have distributed information sheets to parents outlining potential risks associated with the app.

NSPCC Jersey Partnership Service Manager Katherine McGovern said conversations between parents and children were key to improving online safety.

“We’ve been working closely with parents, young people and agencies across the island to better understand online safety and how we can protect children,” she said.

Ms McGovern said it was important for adults to learn more about the platforms and games children use online, adding that open discussions could help young people feel comfortable sharing concerns.

She encouraged parents to ask children questions about their online experiences, including whether they speak to people they know in real life and if anything online has made them uncomfortable.

“Being curious rather than angry can make a big difference,” she said. “These conversations should be as normal as talking about their offline world and friendships.”

NSPCC Jersey and DigiSafe Jersey Online Guidance Hub are offering advice and resources for families seeking support on online safety.