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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and make voice or video calls using the internet. Popular with families and young people, it also includes group chats, disappearing “Status” updates, and private end-to-end encrypted conversations. Because it enables quick and private communication, it’s important for parents and carers to understand how their child uses the app and review privacy settings together. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🚨 Disappearing Messages: Disappearing messages automatically delete new messages after a set time (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days). They can be enabled in individual or group chats, though some messages may still exist if forwarded, backed up, or kept by participants. When turned on, media shared in the chat won’t automatically save to the device. 🚨 View Once “View Once” lets users send photos, videos, or voice notes that disappear after being opened. While they can’t be officially saved or screenshotted in the app, content can still be copied using another device or reported. This feature may give young people a false sense of privacy, so it’s important to remind them that anything shared online can still be captured or misused. 🔐 Chat Lock WhatsApp’s Chat Lock feature allows users to hide specific conversations in a locked folder, protected by a passcode, fingerprint, Face ID, or a separate secret code. Locked chats do not show message previews, and notifications appear as “WhatsApp: 1 new message.” Other people in the chat are not notified when it is locked. While this feature adds privacy, it can also make it harder for parents to see who their child is communicating with. Locked chats can be hidden further using a secret code, and messages can be deleted when chats are unlocked and cleared. Parents should be aware that this feature may allow young people to conceal conversations, so maintaining open communication about online activity remains important. 🔐 Privacy & Data Sharing WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can read message content. However, the app still collects metadata - such as who was contacted and when - and some account information may be shared within Meta’s wider services. While messages remain private, this data sharing can raise privacy considerations for families. 🔗📱 Group Join Requests WhatsApp groups can be set so that admins must approve new members before they join, helping control who enters a chat. However, this setting is turned off by default, meaning people may join through invite links, QR codes, or by being added by other members without extra checks. For parents, this means children could be added to large or unfamiliar groups unless privacy settings are reviewed. Encourage young people to be cautious with invite links and to leave any group that makes them feel uncomfortable. 📱 Cyberbullying and Group Pressure Young people may experience bullying through direct messages or within group chats. These spaces can sometimes be used to share gossip or inappropriate material, and children may feel pressured to keep up with conversations or respond even when they feel uncomfortable. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Since WhatsApp connects users through phone numbers, anyone who has your child’s number can attempt to message them. This means strangers - including individuals with harmful intentions - may be able to make direct contact. 🔞 Inappropriate Content Sharing WhatsApp allows the sharing of all media types. This can include inappropriate images, videos, or links, which may be shared among peers or sent by strangers. 📍 Location Sharing WhatsApp’s Live Location feature allows users to share their real-time location with a contact or group for a set period of time. While it can be useful for safety and meeting up, it also carries risks if shared with the wrong people, as others can see where your child is moving in real time. Parents should encourage children to only share their location with trusted contacts and to turn the feature off when it’s no longer needed. ⚠️ Add Everyone WhatsApp doesn’t have an official “Add Everyone” button, but some group chats encourage members to add as many contacts as possible. This can create large, uncontrolled groups where children may be exposed to inappropriate discussions or harmful content. Parents should check group privacy settings and ensure only trusted contacts can add their child to chats. |
SAFETY TIPS:
🔒🏠 Helping your teen stay safe on WhatsApp - visit the Teen Information Center. 👨👧 Parental supervision - Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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