Please see detailed instructions on how to use six popular video calling platforms so you can continue to communicate with your children and “see” them. If your child(ren) prefers to use another platform to video call and you are not sure how to use it, please contact your supervisor directly, however most children will be familiar and willing to use one of the following six platforms. The “legal stuff” with regards to children under the age of 13: • Apple (FaceTime) states that children under 13 cannot create an Apple ID on their own which is required to be able to access the FaceTime application. Parents/Foster Parents/Guardians can set up an Apple ID for children under 13 if using family sharing. Or you can use the parents account, and they can hand the phone/device to the child • Skype states in their guidelines: Skype's websites and software are not intended for or designed to attract users under the age of 13. We encourage parents to be involved in the online activities of their children to make sure that no information is collected from a child without parental permission You can use a parents account to contact the child if under the age of 13 or does not have their own account • National CASA does NOT have an age restriction for use of video technology with children so during this time ALL children should be contacted via video call when possible • Many cell phones allow video calling through the phone app and can be used by children of any age (including under 13) • If you are struggling to find a way to video call with your child(ren) that are under the age of 13, please do NOT have them create user accounts for any video calling platforms/video chat provides, this does not apply with COPPA and industry standards. Also do NOT create an account for them • Do NOT provide any person information about the child(ren) to the video chat provider • Choose technologies that permit use by children under 13 Zoom, Messenger Kids and FaceTime When Video Calling with your child(ren): • Ensure that you are in a private location with no one else around—please make sure your family members are not within earshot • Ensure that the child(ren) are in a private location and safe • Do NOT record the chat (either video or audio) • In the event that there is someone else in the room, present with the child(ren) while they are chatting with you, please do not ask them questions that could put them in a difficult or precarious position (for example, if they have been having difficulties with the foster parent who is within earshot, do not ask them how they are getting along with the foster parent. Instead, ask a general question like, “how are you doing?” or “What have you been doing since school let out?” • Video chatting can be awkward at first. It may be helpful to come up with a list of questions/topics. It may also be helpful to have something to “show” them. For example, if you have a dog or a cat that you have told them about, have the dog or cat on the call with you. FaceTime for iPhones 1. FaceTime only works iPhone or iPad to other apple devices. 2. If you have an iPhone, open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID (you might already be signed in) 3. To make a FaceTime call, you need the person's phone number or registered email address. There are a few ways to make a FaceTime call: a. In the FaceTime app tap the plus button and type the person's phone number or email address. Tap the number or address, then tap Audio or Video b. If you have the person's phone number or email address saved in your Contacts, you can start typing their name and tap the name when it appears. Then tap Audio or Video c. You can also start a FaceTime video call from your iPhone during a phone call. Tap the FaceTime icon in the Phone app to switch to FaceTime. Darcy and several of the staff members have iPhones and we are happy to practice with you. Use your Memoji in FaceTime—NOT NECESSARY AND STRICTLY FOR FUN On an iPhone X or later, or an iPad with Face ID, you can create a Memoji to match your personality and mood, then use the Memoji during a FaceTime video call To create you Memoji: 1. Open Messages and tap to start a new message. Or go to an existing conversation. 2. Tap , then swipe right and tap New Memoji . 3. Customize the features of your memoji — like skintone, hairstyle, eyes, and more. 4. Tap Done. To use your Memoji: 1. Open FaceTime and make a call. 2. When the call starts, tap the effects button 3. Tap the Memoji that you want to use. 4. Continue your FaceTime call with your customized Memoji, or tap the X button to continue without a Memoji or go back to the FaceTime menu. 5. To change your Animoji or Memoji, or to remove it during a FaceTime call, repeat steps 2–4. Skype: 1. Choose how to download skype - on your desktop/laptop or mobile device https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/ 2. Follow the prompts to create an account for free Skype will need your name, email OR phone number 3. Once you have a password created you will be signed in 4. If on a desktop/laptop - click on the contact for the person you are trying to call, once you have done that you will see the following: 5. Click the video call button 6. If on a mobile device – you will see something similar to this 7. Select “calls”, find the contact you are trying to call and select the video call button. 8. To end the call press WhatsApp: 1. Download WhatsApp on mobile or desktop https://www.whatsapp.com/download 2. WhatsApp will prompt you to enter your phone number and will send you a code to verify your identity 3. Set your profile picture 4. Set your display name 5. Select the contacts button and choose a contact Once you have selected the contact you are trying to message you can press the video call button 6. To end the call, press Google Duo: It is available across platforms, so if you are trying to call an iPhone it will still work as long as they have the app 1. Duo automatically comes with any android or google phone 2. If you have an iPhone, go to the app store and download google duo 3. Open the app, search for the contact you are typing to call (the app syncs with the contacts in your phone) 4. Select their name and begin a video call with them Messenger Kids: Website for more info – https://messengerkids.com/ Please watch this video that explains how Messenger Kids works https://www.facebook.com/messengerkids/videos/460483714859403/ You can use fun masks, GIFs, frames and stickers to communicate and there is a drawing tool. The account needs to be created by the parent and they have to approve you as a contact 1. Download the Messenger Kids app from the App Store, Amazon Appstore, or Google Play Store onto the device that your child uses. Open the app and tap next 2. Tap confirm 3. Enter your Facebook login information and tap Authorize Device 4. Enter your child's name and tap continue 5. Tap create account, then follow the on-screen instructions. After you finish setting up your Messenger Kids account, these steps should be completed by the child: 1. Tap take a photo 2. Choose a color to decorate the app and tap continue Zoom: 1. Choose how you wish to download Zoom and then download https://zoom.us/download 2. Click ‘sign up for free’ and make an account 3. Once signed in click on ‘send invitation’ and choose who to send the invitation too and via what means (email, text etc) 4. The person you invited to a ‘meeting’ will get a code and a link to join 5. If you arranging a call for a specific date and time (it is advised to do this) then when that date and time comes the link can be clicked by all parties and the meeting will commence Other video chatting ideas and activities: Kindoma: Taking the concept of reading books to your kids or grandkids even further, Kindoma has developed an app for iOS users that comes with a library of over 200 children’s books. You can now read to your kids even when they are far away from you. Just connect with them via video call, choose a book that he/she would like to read, and start reading to them. Because both the parties will also see the book along with each other, it is recommended for iPad users, however, works fine on iPhones too. Most of the screen is taken by the book while the receiver and caller will be able to see each other on and left and right side of the screen respectively. In order to help your kiddo see where you are reading, the app has a special feature that will show the kid where you are pointing your finger on the screen. This will help him read along with you. The app is free to download and use. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kindoma-storytime/id621742145 Caribu: Caribu is an innovative app and marketplace that allows families to connect through a video-call to read books, draw and learn together in real-time no matter where they are.