WhatsApp

 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 and poses several dangers for secondary-aged children. One significant concern is the potential for contact with strangers and the ease in which strangers can initiate contact raises alarm bells. The app's popularity among young people makes it a breeding ground for unsolicited messages from unknown individuals, exposing young users to the risk of inappropriate content, harassment, or even predatory behaviour as well as fake news and convincing scams.

If your child hops onto WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends or family and you would like more information in how to support them in doing it safely then please see advice leaflet attached from National Online Safety.