Close
New
Upbringing
Gadgets
Stories
Popular
fb
0
fb
0
Safety

Illegal Streaming Sites Your Child May Be Using

Illegal streaming sites—the online underworld where piracy doesn’t take a day off—are an ever-growing concern for parents.

With the ease of access to these sites, children can find themselves in serious legal trouble, not to mention the alarming amount of obscene content rampant on these platforms. From Chitram TV to the Pirate Bay, there are all kinds of illegal streaming sites out there that your kids should avoid.

But no worries. We’ve got some helpful tips to help you dodge this bullet—and keep your kids as safe as possible.

Contents:

What Are Illegal Streaming Sites?

Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock.com

Illicit streaming or illegal streaming sites are platforms or websites that allow users to watch movies, TV shows, and other copyrighted content without the permission of the content owners.

Some examples of illegal streaming sites include Putlocker, Popcorn Time, and 123Movies.

People are often tempted to use such sites because they offer easy access to content that might otherwise be difficult to find or expensive to legally acquire. In addition, many illegal streaming sites offer a wider range of content than mainstream streaming services, which can be enticing to users who are looking for more options.

However, it’s important to note that using illegal streaming sites is against the law and carries significant risks. These sites often expose users to cybersecurity threats, such as malware and viruses, which can compromise personal information and lead to identity theft. In addition, using illegal streaming sites can result in fines and legal consequences for copyright infringement.

We’ll take a closer look at some of these risks below.

The Dangers of Illegal Movie Websites

Ground Picture/Shuttertock

While it may sound like a bargain at first glance, the reality is that these sites are illegal and can put you (and your children) at risk of serious consequences.

Malware and Viruses

First and foremost, using illegal streaming sites puts you at risk of contracting malware and viruses. These sites are often hosted on shady servers and can contain dangerous software that can infect your computer or mobile device.

You don’t want to risk having your personal information compromised, so it’s best to avoid these sites altogether.

Deterioration in Content Quality

Illegal streaming sites also pose a threat to the entertainment industry. By accessing content without paying for it, you are depriving creators of the revenue they rightfully deserve. This can ultimately hurt the quality of the content you enjoy and make it less likely for new films, shows, and music to be produced.

Legal Repercussions

Finally, it’s important to note that there are penalties for using illegal streaming sites. While they may seem like a harmless way to get your entertainment fix, the reality is that you could face legal repercussions for doing so. Fines and even imprisonment are possible outcomes if you are caught using these sites.

Top Illegal Streaming Sites to Watch Out For

Annie Spratt/Unsplash.com

Putlocker

First on the list is Putlocker. This website has been around for over a decade now and has gained extensive popularity among movie enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that Putlocker is not a legitimate streaming site and has been flagged by multiple authorities for its illegal activities.

123Movies

Next up is 123Movies. This site is known for its vast collection of both old and new movies. While it may seem like a convenient way to watch your favorite shows, accessing this site is against the law, and using it can expose your device to malware and viruses.

Fmovies

Another site we advise you to avoid is Fmovies. Similar to the other two sites, Fmovies has a vast collection of the latest movies and TV shows to choose from. However, it operates illegally and is known for exposing users to harmful content that can damage your device or, in some cases, steal your personal information.

This is a short list of other illegal streaming sites popular today:

  • Vumoo
  • MediaBox HD
  • Chitram TV
  • The Pirate Bay
  • uTorrent
  • Simple IPTV Services
  • Roja Directa
  • Flixtor
  • Area 51

Read also Websites to Block for Kids.

How to Talk With Your Kids About Illegal Streaming Sites

DimaBerlin/Shutterstock.com

From smartphones to tablets to laptops, our children have access to a vast array of digital content and information, some of which may not be appropriate for their age. In recent years, the rise of illegal streaming sites has made it even more challenging for parents to monitor their children’s online activity.

The first step in keeping your child safe online is having an open and honest conversation about the risks associated with illegal streaming sites. Explain to them that accessing copyrighted content without permission is illegal and can result in severe consequences.

Encourage your child to speak to you if they come across any suspicious content on the internet, and ensure that they know how to identify and report any online bullying or inappropriate behavior.

Ways to Keep Your Child Safe Online

The internet can be a dangerous place for our children, but as parents, we have a responsibility to protect them. Talking with your child about illegal streaming sites is a great place to start, but here are some other tips to keep your child safe online.

Use Apps

One effective way to protect your child online is by using parental control apps like Kids360. This app allows parents to monitor their child’s activity and set specific limits on what content they can access.

Kids360 app

With Kids360, you can block inappropriate apps and services and even set a time limit for your child’s usage of digital devices. This app provides parents with peace of mind, knowing that their child is safe online.

Download the Kids360 app for free right now to keep your child safe online!

Educate Yourself

To effectively protect your child online, you’ve got to educate yourself on the latest internet trends and threats. Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), which your child may use to bypass parental controls.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with popular streaming sites and know which ones are legal and which are not. This knowledge will help you better understand your child’s online activity and protect them from any potential dangers.

Set Rules and Boundaries

Another way to keep your child safe online is by setting clear rules and boundaries regarding their digital device usage. Limit their screen time and encourage them to take regular breaks to give their eyes a rest.

Ask your child to use their devices in a communal area rather than in the privacy of their bedroom and encourage family time without any technology. These rules will help your child develop healthy digital habits and reduce their exposure to unsafe content online.

Be a Role Model

Finally, it’s essential to be a role model for your child. Show them how to use technology in a safe and responsible manner and avoid engaging in unsafe online behavior.

Most importantly, avoid streaming illegal content yourself. Our children learn by example, so setting a good example will teach them to be responsible digital citizens.

How to Watch Free Movies Online

Emily Wade/Unsplash.com

First and foremost, there are quite a few streaming services out there that offer free movies. Some of them are ad-supported, meaning you’ll have to sit through some commercials, but hey, it’s a small price to pay for free entertainment.

One of the most popular options is Vudu, which offers a selection of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free, with ads. Another option is Crackle, which is owned by Sony and offers a rotating selection of movies and TV shows that you can watch for free, with no ads required.

If you have a library card, you might be able to access a service called Kanopy. Kanopy is a streaming platform that partners with libraries to offer free movies and documentaries. Some libraries offer a set number of monthly films, while others offer unlimited access. The selection is generally more niche than what you’ll find on other streaming services, but it’s a great way to discover new films.

Another option is to check out YouTube. While you won’t find current blockbusters on there, you’ll find a plethora of classic films that have fallen into the public domain. This means that the copyright protections have expired and they’re now free to watch. Some examples include Night of the Living Dead, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

If you’re into documentaries, there are a few streaming services that offer them for free. One of them is Documentary Heaven, which offers a wide variety of documentaries on everything from politics to science to true crime.

The Takeaway

YanLev Alexey/Shutterstock.com

As parents, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s online activity and monitor the sites they’re visiting. While illegal streaming sites might seem like a harmless way to watch their favorite movies or shows, they come with a myriad of risks.

Aside from the legal consequences, these sites can expose your child to harmful content and downloads that can damage your computer or phone. Plus, let’s not forget that by using these sites, you’re taking money away from the hardworking creators behind the content your child loves.

So let’s all do our part to support ethical viewing habits and subscribed streaming services. After all, nothing beats a guilt-free movie night with the fam!

FAQ

Are free streaming sites illegal?

The distribution of copyrighted material without permission is illegal, and these streaming sites are no exception. In fact, streaming copyrighted content without paying for it is essentially stealing from the artists and creators who worked hard to produce it.

Is it okay to watch illegal streams?

While it’s true that you may not face the same legal consequences as the site owners, you are still contributing to the problem by consuming the content. Plus, there’s always the risk of viruses and malware when using shady streaming sites—not exactly worth the risk.

Is it illegal to use FMovies?

Using FMovies to stream movies and TV shows for free is, in fact, illegal. Many of these sites operate overseas to avoid legal repercussions, but that doesn’t make what they’re doing any less illegal.

The picture on the front page: Inside Creative House/Shutterstock.com

Получите чек-лист подготовки к школе на свою почту
0
Discuss the article
Read more
Download for free on iOS or Android
iphone-X
Mobile application Findmykids
See your child's movements on the map, listen to what is happening around the phone when you are not near. Send a loud signal if the child doesn't hear a call from you
Download for free on iOS or Android
Download app
iphone-X