Are you concerned about your kid’s obsession with instant messaging and social media apps like WhatsApp? Actually, you must be. The commonly used communication and socializing apps are putting our kids into the danger of potential harassment and molestation. If your kids are given access to smartphones and the internet, they are likely to be victimized by online scoundrels. The modern-day predators and bullies take the support of digital devices to access and trap the target.
WhatsApp and many other communication apps have been used as tools by these crooks. This entire situation urges parents to take serious steps for their kids’ protection. It is recommended for parents to supervise their kids’ use of smartphones and mobile apps. This article discusses why parents should monitor WhatsApp and similar mobile phone apps to safeguard their children from the potential threats of the digital world.
An Overview of WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp is currently the most popular and commonly used instant messaging app in different regions of the world. The messenger has made communication more entertaining by offering some of the most advanced features. It allows users to exchange text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, voice recordings, stickers, GIFs, emoticons, GPS locations, documents, and much more. In addition to it, the instant messenger offers free voice and video calling to individuals and groups.
It is very easy to use WhatsApp messenger as anyone can conveniently sign up for the app by providing only a valid mobile phone number. Download and install the app from the Google Play Store and activate your account on WhatsApp by providing your contact number. You may enter your name and can also use the communication app without revealing your name.
Once you complete the installation and account activation process, the app seeks permission to sync your contact list saved on your phone. After that, the user can send WhatsApp messages to those contacts that are already using the messenger. The user can also invite other contacts to use the instant messaging app.
Potential Threats of Unsupervised Use of WhatsApp Messenger
Though the communication app seems harmless, when used without supervision, it can cause younger children to experience several potential dangers. Here we have discussed the most common threats of unsupervised use of WhatsApp messenger.
Cyberbullying
The use of mobile phones and other electronic means to frequently tease, harass, offend, humiliate, and threaten someone is considered cyberbullying. While WhatsApp is being used for communication, it has also been used by bullies to send bullying messages to the target. Those who have your contact number can easily find your WhatsApp account and can send annoying messages until you block them. It is easy to send harassing messages, photos, and voice recordings to the target. These messages can also be deleted from the receiving and sending devices simultaneously with a single command.
Online Child Predation
The online child molestation is the most horrible online danger putting severe impact on the mental and psychological and even physical health of the victim. The adult social media users trap younger boys and girls to exploit them. The child predators or pedophiles usually target kids between the age of 8 and 13. They first access the target through WhatsApp or similar communication apps.
They trap the target with sweet talk and encourage them to enter into a romantic relationship. Once the target gets emotionally attached to the predator, they start introducing explicit photos and videos in their chats. They can easily send such stuff through WhatsApp. This is only to make the target understand that such kind of behavior is common and acceptable. They can share bad things with kids to seduce them and to use them for personal objectives.
Scams
Your kid is likely to receive a WhatsApp message from an unidentified sender. Usually, these unknown senders are scammers and hackers that provide inappropriate information to misguide the target. The messages of winning a gift hamper or cash prize are examples of such scams. If kids respond to these scamming messages without informing parents, they may face undesirable consequences resultantly.
Protect Kids with WhatsApp Monitoring
The most practical way to protect children from the potential dangers of WhatsApp and other instant messengers is monitoring. Parents are needed to monitor instant messages of their children to restrict them from getting involved in misconduct. The supervision of kids’ online activities will also let you know if your little one is in danger. Not just WhatsApp, but you should supervise the use of all social networking apps, dating apps, chat-rooms, and communication tools used by your children.
Is WhatsApp Monitoring Good?
Yes, WhatsApp monitoring is good for your kid. It would be more appropriate to state that monitoring of WhatsApp and all other social media and communication apps is crucial. Parents are responsible for supervising the digital behavior of their children to ensure their protection. There are certain tools that help parents to keep an eye on the digital activities of their kids. For instance, the WhatsApp monitoring app can provide great support to parents in keeping tabs on instant messages and calls of teenagers. If your kids do not feel comfortable sharing their chats with you (that they would definitely not!), you can secretly track their instant messages with the help of a tracking app. You can use instant messenger tracking tools without causing any damage to your kid’s phone.
The Bottom Line
WhatsApp monitoring is not just good, and it is mandatory. The unsupervised use of the instant messenger can make your kid a victim of online harassment or child molestation. It is better that you educate your kids about the potential dangers of the latest communication apps, instant messengers, and social networking platforms. Talk to them frequently and encourage them to share their experiences. You may suggest solutions to resolve their issues if they are experiencing anything negative, like receiving annoying messages or calls from an unidentified sender. At the same time, it is a good idea to keep a secret eye on their digital acts to ensure their protection.
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