WhatsApp

Managing Privacy Settings

Help your child control what personal information others can see.

1. Open WhatsApp Settings
   
   1. Tap the three dots (top-right corner)
   2. Tap Settings
   3. Select Privacy
2. Customise privacy options

a. Tap on each setting to choose visibility: Everyone, My contacts, My contacts except…, or Nobody

Privacy settings include:

• Last seen & online – Reduces pressure to reply instantly

• Profile photo – Limit to My contacts only

• About – Avoid sharing sensitive personal details

• Status – Remove personal/location info

• Read receipts – Prevents senders seeing when messages are read

• Silence unknown callers – Blocks calls from unknown numbers

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Blocking and Reporting Contacts

Your child can stop unwanted messages and report abuse through WhatsApp’s in-app tools.

Block a contact

1. Open the chat → Tap their name or three dots → Tap View contact

2. Scroll down → Tap Block [Name] → Confirm

Report a contact

1. Go to View contact → Scroll down → Tap Report [Name]

2. Decide whether to also block and delete the chat, or just report

Note: If saving evidence is needed, untick the delete option before submitting the report.

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Group Privacy Settings

Limit who can add your child to WhatsApp groups.

1. Adjust group settings

a. Tap the three dots (top-right) → Go to Settings → Tap Privacy → Scroll to Groups

2. Choose contact permissions

a. Set to My contacts or My contacts except…

Note: Others can still send private invites, but automatic additions will be restricted.

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Disabling Automatic Downloads

Prevent inappropriate content from being saved to your child’s device automatically.

1. Go to chat media settings

a. Tap Settings → Tap Chats

2. Disable media visibility

a. Tap the toggle next to Media visibility → When grey, new media won’t save to the camera roll

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Enabling Screen or Fingerprint Lock

Add an extra layer of security when opening WhatsApp.

1. Open security settings

a. Tap Settings → Select Privacy → Scroll to the bottom

2. Enable app lock

a. Tap App Lock (or Screen Lock) → Toggle On

3. Choose Fingerprint, Touch ID, or Face ID, depending on the device

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Disabling Live Location

Live location sharing is off by default—ensure it stays that way.

Via phone settings

1. Go to Device Settings → Scroll to WhatsApp → Tap Location → Choose Never or Ask Next Time

Via WhatsApp settings

2. Tap Settings → Select Privacy → Tap Live Location

3. Manage or turn off location sharing

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Using WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web allows chat access via a browser. Your child still needs the app to use it.

Set up WhatsApp Web

1. In the app: Tap three dots → Select Linked devices → Tap Link a device

2. Connect via browser

a. On another device, go to web.whatsapp.com → Use the phone to scan the QR code

Note: WhatsApp Web does not support calling or some privacy features.

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