How to Make WhatsApp Safer for your Children: Digital Jungle SCRIPTS

To help make WhatsApp safer for children, parents can take several proactive steps:

1. Set Age-Appropriate Use

• WhatsApp’s minimum age requirement is 16 in most countries, but it may be lower in some regions (13 in the U.S.). Ensure your child meets the age guidelines.

2. Use Privacy Settings

• Limit who can see personal information: Adjust settings for “Last Seen,” “Profile Photo,” “About,” and “Status” so that they are only visible to “My Contacts.”
• Turn off location sharing: Make sure the child’s location isn’t shared with others through the app.
• Disable read receipts: This prevents others from seeing when your child has read their messages.

3. Monitor Group Chats

• Encourage children to only join groups with friends and family. Discourage joining groups with unknown members.
• Enable group admin controls: Only allow admins to add members to groups. This helps avoid exposure to unwanted participants.

4. Turn Off Auto-Downloads

• Disable the automatic download of media files to prevent children from receiving inappropriate or harmful images or videos.

5. Teach Cybersecurity Practices

• Block and report suspicious contacts: WhatsApp allows users to block unwanted contacts and report problematic behavior.
• Enable two-step verification: This adds a layer of security to their account by requiring a PIN to access it.

6. Discuss Online Etiquette

• Talk about the risks of oversharing personal information, photos, and locations.
• Help them understand the importance of respecting others online and handling negative interactions like cyberbullying.

7. Check Linked Devices

• WhatsApp can be accessed through web browsers and other devices. Regularly check if any unauthorized devices are linked to the account.

By following these steps, parents can help create a safer WhatsApp experience for your children.

Talking to children about WhatsApp, or any social media platform, requires tailoring the message to their age and maturity level. Below are scripts for different age groups:

1. For Young Children (Ages 6-10)

Focus: Introduction to basic online safety, respect, and limited use of messaging apps.

Script:

• “WhatsApp is a messaging app that lets people send messages, photos, and videos to their friends and family. But it’s important to remember that just because we can send things easily, we still need to be careful.”
• “Not everyone online is kind, and some people might pretend to be someone they’re not. If someone sends you a message that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell me or another adult you trust.”
• “You should only talk to people you know in real life, like family and close friends. If anyone you don’t know sends you a message, you should let me know right away.”
• “We can use WhatsApp together for now, so I can help make sure it’s a safe place for you.”

2. For Pre-Teens (Ages 11-13)

Focus: Privacy settings, dealing with inappropriate content, and maintaining boundaries.

Script:

• “WhatsApp is great for staying in touch with friends, but you need to use it safely. One of the first things we’ll do is check your privacy settings so only people you know can see your profile, photos, and messages.”
• “Sometimes, people may send things that aren’t nice or appropriate. If you ever receive a message, photo, or video that makes you feel uncomfortable or upset, don’t delete it – show me or another adult.”
• “If someone is bothering you, you can block them and report the message to WhatsApp. You should always talk to me if this happens so I can help you.”
• “It’s important to understand that even though it feels like a private conversation, once you send something, it’s out of your control. Be careful with what you share.”

3. For Teenagers (Ages 14-17)

Focus: Digital footprint, cyberbullying, peer pressure, and responsible usage.

Script:

• “I know WhatsApp is a big part of how you communicate with friends, and that’s totally okay. But keep in mind that what you share on WhatsApp can easily be saved or forwarded by others. Once it’s out there, you can’t always take it back.”
• “Remember to keep personal information private – don’t share things like your location, full name, or photos with people you don’t know well. Not everyone is who they say they are.”
• “If you ever feel like someone is pressuring you to send something or to join a chat that makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut and say no. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
• “If you experience or witness cyberbullying, it’s important to report it, whether it’s happening to you or someone else. I’m always here if you need to talk about anything that happens online.”
• “You’re building a digital reputation with everything you post. Try to think about how your messages and photos could impact you in the future.”

General Tips for All Age Groups:

• Encourage Open Communication: Let children know they can always come to you with any questions or concerns about their online experiences.
• Model Responsible Behaviour: Demonstrate safe and respectful use of WhatsApp and other social media platforms yourself.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Discuss rules around using the app, including when and where it’s appropriate to use WhatsApp, and whom they are allowed to message.