**This blog post was updated on March 29, 2024.**
Remember when Netflix was just a couple of DVDs that came in the mail? It can almost seem like an urban legend to young people these days. That’s because today’s kids have never known life without advanced technology. They can listen to their favorite songs whenever they want or choose from nearly any movie to watch. They’re accustomed to getting the entertainment they want on-demand, around the clock. It may be hard to believe, but not everything they want to watch may be available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for kids to turn to illegal streaming sites and download movies, music, and other content with phones, tablets, and computers. However, when they use illegal streaming sites, they’re putting their security at risk and breaking the law.
In this blog post, we’ll explain some of the dangers of illegal movie websites. Awareness is critical because many kids don’t understand what can happen when they use any of the top illegal streaming sites.
What are Illegal Streaming Sites?
Illegal streaming sites allow users to download movies, music, and other entertainment files without paying for them. These sites offer pirated content that is distributed without the knowledge and permission of those holding rights to the content. The files are often different from the ones you would download from a paid streaming service legally, so they can contain malware and viruses.
Remember spending all day downloading a song on Napster or Limewire back in the day? Today’s illegal streaming sites aren’t much different — they just allow access to a wider variety of entertainment, including full movies, entire seasons of TV shows, and even ebooks.
The Dangers of Illegal Movie Websites
There are a few dangers when children — and even adults — use illegal movie websites:
- It’s breaking the law. You’re responsible for anything downloaded through your home Wi-Fi network or on your child’s phone. Cease and desist letters from studios, networks, and other copyright holders may be sent to your house. You can expect new laws and technology to crack down on pirated content in the future.
- It’s easy to download viruses, malware, and spyware. Many illegal downloads contain malware and trojans that can give criminals access to your network. This means they could obtain your banking information, monitor your online activity, or even take control of your child’s TV, phone, or computer.
- It disrespects creative artists. The work that goes into creating popular movies and music is often forgotten when that content is downloaded illegally. Many adults use illegal downloads because they don’t want to pay for them, but that also means that the people creating the products aren’t receiving the payment that they have earned. It’s important to teach children of all ages to respect the musicians, actors, directors, and other creatives they admire.
Top Illegal Streaming Sites to Watch Out For
If you decide that you want to prevent your children from using illegal movie websites, start by discussing the issue with them openly. Make sure they’re aware of the security risks and understand that you don’t want them to use any illegal programs to access movies, books, or music.
You can also help them find legal streaming services that offer free content. There are tons of options, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and countless others.
The next step is to watch out for some of the top illegal movie websites. This short list covers some of the most popular today:
- The Pirate Bay
- uTorrent
- MediaBox HD
- Roja Directa
- 123Movies
- Simple IPTV Services
- Vumoo
- Chitram TV
If you see any of these programs on your child’s device, you should remove them immediately. Keep in mind, though, that these types of websites and apps are constantly changing as they get shut down and others pop up in their place.
How to Talk To Your Kid About Illegal Streaming Sites
The best thing you can do is start asking questions. If you notice your child using a streaming service you don’t recognize, look it up online and ask what it is. When you see your child watching a movie or listening to music, ask what streaming service they’re using. Open lines of communication are essential for modern parenting.
If you want to learn more about monitoring your child’s online activity, learn more about Bark today.
Read more
Bark helps families manage and protect their children’s digital lives.
