SaferKid™ App Rating

WhatsApp Messenger

By WhatsApp Inc.
SaferKid Age Rating
18+
Parents should know if a child under 18 has this app
NONE
LOW
HIGH
Sexting Risk
Red high
Adult Content (Photo or Video)
Red low
Bullying Risk
Red low
Meet Strangers Risk
Red low
NONE
LOW
HIGH
Profanity or Crude Humor
Yellow low
Mature/Suggestive Themes
Yellow low
Horror/Fear Themes
Yellow low
Medical/Treatment Information
Yellow low
This is an independent review. We are not affilated with WhatsApp Inc.
Bottom Line

WhatsApp is frequently used for text messaging because it routes traffic over the Internet, which means users can avoid SMS fees. It also has settings for deleting messages automatically, sharing location with other users, creating status updates with photo and video, and video calling. It was recently announced that Whatsapp would be rolling out features that allow users to track a friends location over time. Users will also be able to create a Snapchat-like "story". These features make Whatsapp more like a social network than a text messaging platform and create risks of sexting, sharing adult content, and bullying. Because conversations can be automatically deleted, this app may be used for having inappropriate conversations that your child does not want you to see. No minor should have a social networking or messaging account that their parent is unaware of.

Talking to Your Children

This app is wildly popular among young people. If your child has this app on their decide you may want to ask them what they are using it for. If they like the app for text messaging, the SMS app that comes with their device is a safer option. If they enjoy sharing photo and video, location information, and stories with their contacts you should talk to them about how to be safe and responsible while doing so and check their contact list to be sure they are interacting with real life friends only. Please visit our Parent's Guides for more information.

App store description
WhatsApp from Meta is a FREE messaging and video calling app. It’s used by over 2B people in more than 180 countries. It’s simple, reliable, and private, so you can easily keep in touch with your friends and family. WhatsApp works across mobile and desktop even on slow connections, with no subscription fees*. Private messaging across the world ...
Related Links

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