Parental controls guide
Help your child control what personal information others can see.
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
Your child can stop unwanted messages and report abuse through WhatsApp’s in-app tools.
1. Open the chat → Tap their name or three dots → Tap View contact
2. Scroll down → Tap Block [Name] → Confirm
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
If you’ve got a question, idea, or just want to reach out, we’re here. Fill in the form and a member of the Safe & Smart team will be in touch.
