WhatsApp dangers: Keeping your children safe on the internet

IT'S a dangerous online playing field but here's how to keep the kids safe.

A mother and daughter looking shiftyGETTY

It's important to know how to keep your children safe on the internet

Looking back to just 10 years ago the dangers to children were much more obvious than in today's modern world. 

Keeping your loved ones safe meant keeping an eye on who they were talking to, meeting up with and teaching them to be eagle-eyed. 

Nowadays, however, it's a whole different ball game with technology giving almost anyone access to your children. 

WhatsApp has hit the headlines today as it faces a UK ban within weeks - but do you know how to keep your children safe on the messeger app? 

Firstly, WhatsApp's guidelines state quite clearly no child under the age of 16 should be downloading or using the app. 

A mother and daughter on the phone togetherGETTY

Talk to your children about the apps they're using before you fly off the handle

But we all know children can be one step ahead of the game, and this could be endangering them and their friends. 

The NSPCC has created a set of guidelines for parents worried about the new wave of technology, and how to keep their children from harm.

On their site, they say: "Whether you're unsure about what happens online or are up to speed with new technology, it's important that you talk to your child about staying safe."

It's thought the risks on mobile phone and tablet applications such as Whatsapp include them receiving inappropriate content, including pornography, and being contacted by strangers. 

Although there are age restrictions to make sure children aren't sent content you don't want them to see - and usually it's an age restriction of 13 or above - there's not a lot standing in the way of children joining at a younger age. 

The NSPCC says parents should stand firm. They write: "Age limits are there to keep children safe so you shouldn't feel pressurised into letting younger children join these websites."

Worryingly, in 2013, a group of 12-15 year olds were surveyed and they revealed they didn't know 29 per cent of their online 'friends'. 

This makes children vulnerable to bullying, grooming and sharing personal information - but speaking to your child about the dangers can help to prevent this.

If you're worried your child might be being groomed on the internet, and believe they are at an immediate risk, you should call the police. 

The Child Explotation and Online Protection Centre also have an 'advice, help and report' section on their site. 

The NSPCC gives these top tips: 

  • Talk about what might be OK for children of different ages. Ask your child what sites or apps they like. Write a list, and look at them together.
  • Be positive about what you see, but also be open about concerns you have: "I think this site's really good" or "I'm a little worried about things I've seen here".
  • Talk to your child about what you think is appropriate – but also involve them in the conversation. Ask what they think is OK for children of different ages – they'll feel involved in the decision-making.
  • Be aware that your child might talk about friends who use apps or visit sites that you've decided aren't suitable. Be ready to discuss your reasons, but recognise that they may not agree with you. Listen carefully for the reasons why.
  • Go through a final list of sites you both agree are OK, and work out when you'll next discuss it.
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