Online Safety: What Parents and Carers Need to Know about Whatsapp (13.10.23)
Welcome to our weekly online safety bulletin! Each week of the school term, we will provide useful tips, facts and guides on how to stay safe online.
This week's theme is: Whatsapp
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging platform on the planet, with over two billion users (forecast to become three billion by 2025), across more than 180 countries. The majority of those people (70%) open the app at least once a day – but what exactly are they seeing? Contact from strangers, fake news and convincing scams are all among the service’s well-documented hazards.
According to Ofcom, WhatsApp is used by more than half of 3- to 17-year-olds in the UK (including one in three from the 8–11 bracket), despite its 16+ age restriction. If your child hops onto WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends or family, this updated guide to the service contains the key details you’ll need to support them in doing it safely.
Useful links:
Internet Matters - This website has lots of practical advice and information, including detailed guides on how to set up parental controls on a range of devices.
Childnet - Help, advice and resources for parents and carers
Parent Zone - Digital advice, activities and ideas for parents and families
NSPCC - Online Safety advice, guides and news.
Visit our Online Safety page for more information.
Missed an update? Head over to our Online Safety Tip of the Week archive.
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