WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging service, with around two billion users exchanging texts, photos, videos and documents, as well as making voice and video calls. Its end-to-end encryption means messages can only be viewed by the sender and any recipients: not even WhatsApp can read them. Updates to its privacy policy in 2021 (involving sharing data with parent company Facebook) caused millions to leave the app, but the new policy was widely misinterpreted – it only related to WhatsApp’s business features, not to personal messages. In the guide, you’ll find tips on a number of potential risks such as scams, strangers and location sharing.
Some Additional Parent Recommendations:
not using phones and mobile devices at the dinner table – talking as a family is very important for development
keeping screens out of the bedroom at bedtime
talking as a family about keeping safe online and about cyberbullying and what children should do if they are worried
not using phones when crossing a road or doing any other activity that requires a person’s full attention
making sure children take a break from screens every two hours by getting up and being active
policing their own use too – parents should give their children proper attention and quality family time and never assume they are happy for pictures to be shared
NO tech challenge! Play some games, do a jig-saw, have a conversation!
Where can parents go for help?
Safer Internet Centre – https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
Connect Safely – http://www.connectsafely.org/
Common Sense Media – https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Think U Know (part of CEOP) – https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
Please ask Mr Fernandes at school if you need any further information or guidance.