Is WhatsApp Safe for My Child?
A Cyber Security Guy's Perspective
What is WhatsApp?
There are not many of you who have not downloaded this app or at least heard of it. WhatsApp is a hugely popular instant messaging app with over 2 billion users in 180 countries. It allows users to send and receive messages, make voice and video calls, and connect with people individually or in group chats. To set up an account, you need only a phone number.
Age Rating
It's important to note that WhatsApp is rated 16+, although I am more than aware that this age rating is taken with a huge bucket of salt by most as I see with most social media platforms, I would just say that age ratings exist for a reason and ignore them at your own peril as a parent.
Features of WhatsApp
Contact Integration: WhatsApp checks your phone's address book for other users and automatically suggests them as contacts. It also updates your list whenever your phone contacts join the app. This feature is optional but limiting it impacts functionality.
Sharing Information: When using WhatsApp, certain information is shared with your contacts:
Status: Share text, photo, video, or GIF updates that disappear after 24 hours.
Last Seen: Shows when you last used the app.
Online: Shows if you're currently using the app.
Read Receipts: Allows users to see if a message has been sent, delivered, and read.
You can help your child control this information through privacy settings.
Communities: This new feature allows users to connect multiple groups under one umbrella, organizing group conversations and potentially involving thousands of users.
Privacy Features: WhatsApp incorporates features focused on user privacy:
End-to-end Encryption: Only people within the chat can read or listen to messages. This enhances privacy but also means messages can't be monitored for illegal activity.
Disappearing Messages: Optionally set messages to disappear after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
View Once: Send photos and videos that disappear from the chat once opened. Keep in mind that although the person you send to will be unable to screenshot the image, nothing stops them from taking a photo with another camera or phone.
Live Location: Share your real-time location for a specific time with others.
Tips to Help Keep Your Child Safe on WhatsApp
These are just some of the ways you can protect your child but it is by no means an exhaustive list and certainly shouldn’t replace having open and healthy conversations with them about anything concerning.
Privacy Settings:
Everyone: All users can see your profile photo, about, or status.
My Contacts: Only phone contacts can see your information.
My Contacts Except...: Exclude specific contacts from seeing your information.
Nobody: No one can see your information.
The default setting is 'Everyone,' but you can help your child adjust this in 'Settings' -> 'Privacy.'
To prevent children from being added to groups by strangers, change group settings to 'My Contacts Except' and select all contacts. This ensures only their contacts can add them to groups after sending an invitation.
Switch off 'Read Receipts' to reduce pressure to respond to messages.
Safety Features:
Teach your child how to block and report users or inappropriate content.
Visit the WhatsApp Help Center for more information on blocking and reporting.
Talk About Sharing:
Discuss what's appropriate to share on WhatsApp.
Remind them that even private messages can be saved, forwarded, or screenshotted.
Encourage open communication about any concerns.
Set Rules About Location Sharing:
Decide with your child if and with whom they can share their location.
Disable location permissions in device settings if necessary.
Risks with WhatsApp for Children
Unwanted Contact: Since only a phone number is needed to contact someone on WhatsApp, your child could receive unwanted messages or calls from strangers or people they know who may make them feel uncomfortable.
Pressure to Respond: Features like "online" status, read receipts, and "last seen" can pressure children to respond to messages even when they don't want to, potentially leading to anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.
Location Sharing: The live location feature allows your child to share their real-time location with others, including in group chats with people they may not know well, potentially putting them at risk.
Inappropriate Content: End-to-end encryption, while protecting privacy, also means that WhatsApp cannot monitor content. This exposes children to the risk of seeing or hearing harmful or upsetting messages, images, or videos.
Cyberbullying: WhatsApp groups can be misused for cyberbullying. Admins control group settings and can exclude or remove children, leading to feelings of isolation and distress.
Oversharing: Features like disappearing messages and "view once" might create a false sense of security, encouraging children to share private information or images that could be seen by unintended recipients or saved without their knowledge.
By understanding WhatsApp's features and utilising its privacy and safety tools, you can help your child navigate the app more securely. Remember, open communication and education are key to online safety.
As always please share but also reach out to me with any comments, suggestions or questions.