What is it?

WhatsApp Messenger lets users start video calls and send text messages, videos, photos, and audio messages to one or many people with no message limits or fees. 

How much does it cost?

Whatsapp is free to download and use.

Is it safe?

WhatsApp encrypts messages so only the person sent the message can read them.  However, learning how to use this service safely and responsibly is a challenge for children and content shared with one person can easily be passed to other users – including inappropriate or harmful content.  Users can also share their location via that app.

Do I retain ownership of information sent via WhatsApp?

Children need to be reminded that, once any form of data (text, pictures, sound files) are sent over the internet, they have lost control of it.  It can be copied, forwarded and saved by anyone who receives it.  Further to this, WhatsApp terms and conditions state that by signing up and using the service you are giving WhatsApp:

“a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works of, display, and perform the information”

Should I allow my child to use WhatsApp?

Ultimately, the decision to allow children to use any technology rests with the family.  Commonsensemedia.org recommend that WhatsApp is suitable for children aged 14+

If you decide to allow your child to use WhatsApp, you should talk to them about:

• Limits with WhatsApp Messenger and other apps: During what hours are children allowed to text? 
• The types of information that are best shared in text messages and the types best discussed in person. Let children know that tone isn’t always clear, and emojis can’t fill in every blank.
• Discuss location sharing and the risks it has. When might it be useful to share your location, and with whom? When is it a bad idea?
• Good online etiquette and what they should do if they receive messages that they find upsetting.

Things which are going wrong with our children at TMS

• Changing names of groups to something unkind about a particular child
• Excluding children from groups which have been set up
• ‘Spamming’
• Expecting children to respond instantly, and getting upset when they don’t
• Inappropriate language and content.

Please remember our children are learning, and in everything they learn, they need guidance and support from adults. Don’t expect them to use something appropriately without any conversations first.

Bullying happens online as well as in person, and in some situations, more so do to the anonymous nature. Bullying is when something happens ‘Several Times On Purpose’ so whether it is bullying, unkindness or a falling out with a friend, our children need guidance.

Many parents check their children’s phones daily and are then able to have conversations if things are going wrong. As a school, we would recommend this.