Is Google Meet Safe? A Google Meet Review for Parents

Harmful Content 😲

There’s no harmful content in the app itself, but there’s a possibility of harmful content from other users. Besides calling, users can send texts, voice messages, and photos in Google Meet. You can also take notes (a feature mostly helpful for professional and school settings). Kids could potentially encounter inappropriate content if it’s sent by another user. There is also a high risk for cyberbullying, especially if it’s used in schools and kids are required to communicate through it. 

Predation 🚨

As with any video or messaging platform, the risk for predation is high. Google Meet allows users to generate a video link and send it to anyone to join. This means a child could end up on a call with someone they don’t know, or at least with someone whose number they don’t have. If your kid uses this app, be sure to have a conversation with them about not engaging with people they don’t know in real life when they’re online. 

Privacy 🔒

Google Meet allows users to join a video call in three different ways: you can add people from your contacts, you can dial a new phone number, or you can generate a video link. If there’s anyone you don’t want your child interacting with on the app, Google Meet has a setting to block users that will prevent them from contacting your child directly in the app. 

Parental Controls ✅

Google Meet does not have any parental control settings. But good thing Bark can help!

With Bark, parents can:

• Block Google Meet entirely, if needed. 
• Manage when your child can use Google Meet throughout the day. 

So, should my kid download it?

If you’re looking for a video-messaging app for your child, Google Meet is relatively low-risk and could be a helpful tool for your family. Just be sure you always know who your child is chatting with!