Risks and tips for parents
On the Internet, too, you should know the "places" where your own children move around. Only then can you support them in their use and help them with any problems. If your child uses WhatsApp, it is important to set the app to be childproof. On the website www.medien-kindersicher.de you will find instructions for the most important safety settings. To do this, simply select your child's device on the homepage, the appropriate operating system and then "WhatsApp".
Even if you have made all the security settings, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Below are five tips that you should keep in mind.
Often, disputes among friends or a problematic class situation are behind bullying attacks. Talk to your child and inform the teacher if necessary to find a solution together. You can also use the "Block" function. You can use screenshots to document the comments or images in question. In case of threats of violence or physical assaults, call the police!
In general, children and young people should break off contact immediately if the chat partners' questions become unpleasant or they feel pressured. Advise your child at an early stage never to meet an online acquaintance alone.
Make your child aware that forwarding inappropriate or prohibited content is punishable by law. In case of inappropriate content, he/she should report and delete it as soon as possible. To protect yourself from such images and videos, you can disable the automatic download function.
Set WhatsApp so that only people from your own contact list are allowed to add your child to group chats.
If your child does join a group by mistake, he or she can leave it later and report it to WhatsApp.