Channels can be set up for public access or private use, creators can require certain criteria be met to become a part of the channel like a verifiable phone number and email address. No in-app purchases or adds are available at this time. The creator has the option to change it and open it up to younger users, but when teens are lying about their age online this age limit won’t keep them off these channels. The Zello app default setting automatically lists the channel as 18+.
When a user creates a new channel, an option is offered for an age rating. A channel can be created by anyone, so a free-range of channel descriptions and choices are available, including pornographic channels.īuilt-in adult environment. With user controlled content, there is always a risk of exposure to unwanted content, language, images, etc. Sexual content and/or nudity and crude humor is easily accessible. The Zello app allows both single and group chats, so teens may see this as another good option to connect with peers and groups of friends.
The app looks like a fun way to connect with others! Remember those road trips growing up with multiple people in more than one vehicle and radioing back and forth between vehicles just for fun? Or running around the house with walkie-talkies and having fun talking with whoever was on the other end? What do parents need to know about Zello? Infrequent/mild profanity or crude humor.I nfrequent/mild sexual content and nudity.There is the option to communicate with a single person or to set up a channel for a group of users. Zello allows users to touch-to-talk as well as send direct messages. It gained popularity in 2017 during critical events like the flooding in Houston and Hurricane Irma and became the communication tool of choice for relief workers. It is touted as a “walkie-talkie” app but it does require either cell service or some form of internet connection to operate. Description: Zello is a voice-over-IP (VOIP) type app.