MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? WhatsApp is a messaging app for text, voice, and video communication, popular for its convenience and privacy features like end-to-end encryption. WHAT WE SAY: Safe but treat with caution. Disappearing Messages: WhatsApp's disappearing messages feature, while enhancing privacy, also raises concerns, especially regarding potential risks to children. Users can set messages to vanish after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days, a feature that can be activated for all chats, including those involving minors. It's crucial to recognise that this feature, though offering privacy benefits, introduces potential risks, especially in the context of protecting children online. Caregivers should remain vigilant and consider the implications of disappearing messages. Learn how to turn disappearing messages on or off - click here. View Once: You can now send photos and videos that disappear from your WhatsApp chat after the recipient has opened them once. WhatsApp's "View Once" feature ensures enhanced privacy for photos and videos by preventing them from saving to the recipient's gallery. Once viewed, the media cannot be accessed again, and forwarding, saving, and sharing are disabled. The recipient's ability to take screenshots depends on their WhatsApp version. Unopened media expires after 14 days, and the feature must be selected for each send. Restoration from backup is possible for unopened media. View a YouTube video explaining its functionality using this link. Chat Lock: While it can be valuable, especially for caregivers sharing phones, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks, such as concealing inappropriate content or interactions involving children. This feature may inadvertently pose dangers like grooming or unauthorised sharing. Exercise caution when using Chat Lock and consider its implications. To find out more - click here. View a YouTube video explaining its functionality using this link. |
LATEST UPDATE:
Secret Codes: WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called "secret code" to enhance the security of sensitive conversations. This feature allows users to set a unique password, different from their phone unlock code, providing an extra layer of privacy for locked chats. Users can opt to hide the Locked Chats folder from the chatlist, making it discoverable only by entering the secret code in the search bar. Alternatively, users can choose to have locked chats appear in the chatlist. The update also allows users to long-press on a new chat to lock it, simplifying the process. While these security measures are designed to protect user privacy, it's crucial for caregivers to be aware of potential risks for children. The use of secret codes and hidden folders may create challenges in monitoring a child's online communication. Caregivers should engage in open conversations with their children about responsible and safe app usage. Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about app features and regularly check privacy settings to ensure a balance between security and parental oversight. As technology evolves, caregivers play a vital role in guiding children to navigate digital spaces responsibly. SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER: Here are guidelines on ensuring safety while using WhatsApp.
Sharing live location: Sharing your live location on WhatsApp can be beneficial for communication between children and caregivers. However, it carries potential risks when shared with strangers. Discover the functionality and safety considerations here. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 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 Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. |