It also lets you set screen time limits for WhatsApp or even shut down the app completely.

Read on for more tips to keep your child safe on the messaging app below.

TRY BARK WITH WHATSAPP

What Are the Risks of WhatsApp?

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

What Age Is WhatsApp Appropriate For?

However, theres nothing stopping young children from accessing WhatsApp by lying about their age during account creation.

Here are some of the things you could do with a parental control app:

2.

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

To do so:

3. you might set it so that only your childs contacts can do so.

Note that this does not prevent strangers from messaging your child for 1-on-1 chats.

To control who can add your child to groups:

4.

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

Disable Live Location

WhatsApp includes a feature that allows your child to share their real-time location with conversation partners.

To stop your child from using this feature:

5.

Turn Off Read Receipts

Read receipts tell the sender when their message has been read.

Bark

Turning read receipts off can remove the pressure to respond to messages right away and help manage addictive behavior.

To turn off read receipts:

6.

Show Your Child How to Block Others

Blocking someone on WhatsApp prevents them from messaging or calling you.

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

Heres how to block a contact on WhatsApp:

7.

It also blocks known phishing pages and sites containing malware.

Together, this makes it very difficult for WhatsApp to build a comprehensive data profile of your child.

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

My favorite VPN in 2025 isExpressVPNdue to its strong security, fast speeds, and easy-to-use apps.

Stay Engaged with Your Kids Digital Life

Regularly check in with your child about their online experiences and interactions.

Showing interest in their digital life fosters open communication and helps you stay aware of any potential issues.

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WhatsApp suitable for 9-year-olds?

Can I monitor my childs WhatsApp?

Is talking on WhatsApp really private?

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

But this doesnt mean that there are nosecurity risks involved with using WhatsApp.

The app collects and shares a lot of user information with third parties.

Are there free parental controls for monitoring WhatsApp?

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

For that reason, I recommend investing in an affordable paid parental control app instead.

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids

Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids