Is WhatsApp suitable for 12 year olds?

Inappropriate, secretive content. As with any app, the biggest concern is in the way kids and others use the app. WhatsApp (like any messaging app) allows anyone to create an account. Kids can be exposed to inappropriate content and exchange inappropriate content with others.
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Is WhatsApp ok for a 12 year old?

The minimum age of use for WhatsApp is 16 years old. It had previously dropped to 13 years old but in April 2018 returned to 16, as a response to data-protection legislation. Like many age restrictions on social media apps, some children may choose ignore this and sign up for WhatsApp when they're younger.
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What are the dangers of WhatsApp?

Is WhatsApp Safe? 5 Scams, Threats, and Security Risks to Know About
  1. WhatsApp Web Malware. WhatsApp's enormous user base makes it an obvious target for cybercriminals, many of who focus on WhatsApp Web. ...
  2. Unencrypted Backups. ...
  3. 3. Facebook Data Sharing. ...
  4. Hoaxes and Fake News. ...
  5. WhatsApp Status.
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Why kids should not use WhatsApp?

Sending Inappropriate Content

The potential dangers of WhatsApp are similar to those of any other devices or apps that allow for online interaction, as it can be used for sexting, cyberbullying, or other types of worrisome content. Hundreds of people can share messages in a group using WhatsApp.
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Is Messenger ok for 12 year olds?

What age is Messenger Kids OK for? Though Facebook designed the app for kids age 6–12, based on privacy best practices and overall recommendations for social media use, we've rated Facebook Messenger Kids for age 13+ for independent use.
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Is WhatsApp Safe for Kids?



How old do you have to be for WhatsApp?

WhatsApp offers a quick, easy, and free way for young people to connect with friends and family, whether by sharing photos, videos or memes. WhatsApp requires a minimum age of 16 but relies on the honesty of the child and family to adhere to the age restrictions.
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Is Facebook safe for 12 year olds?

We don't really recommend children under the age of 13 using social media. It could start a dangerous precedent, and hook young children from a very early age. However, the normal version of Facebook, once your child has reached a suitable age, is probably quite a good option as far as social media goes.
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Why do teenagers like WhatsApp?

Teens like to use WhatsApp because they can chat with friends around the world for free and use the app on Wi-Fi without raising the ire of mom and dad about data overage charges. They also love that WhatsApp allows for large group chats and video calls with up to eight people.
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Why is WhatsApp 16+?

WHATSAPP AGE UK: The messaging service, which is Facebook-owned, is raising their age limit from 13 - up to 16. This is due in part to the new EU date privacy regulations. The revamp in the rules means many youngsters will need to grow up a bit more before they can chat with their friends on WhatsApp.
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How can I make my kid safe on WhatsApp?

Here, it's super important to at the minimum, set your child's privacy settings to “My Contacts.” The options here are “Everyone”, “My Contacts” and “Nobody” Create a Family WhatsApp Group. It will become our family's private gated online social group.
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Should a 13 year old have WhatsApp?

Should your child be on WhatsApp? As long as your child is only connected to trusted people (and has some form of monitoring), this can be a relatively safe social app that echos the features of most other apps.
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Is it safe to talk on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption is used when you message another person using WhatsApp Messenger. End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you're communicating with can read or listen to what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp.
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Is WhatsApp really safe?

“WhatsApp is safe in that it uses the same secure encryption as Signal but is owned by Facebook – a company which has historically monetised personal information (principally for advertising). WhatsApp has recently come under criticism for attempting to expand the amount of data shared with Facebook,” says Owenson.
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Is TikTok age appropriate?

Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the full TikTok experience, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app.
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Is Instagram safe for a 12 year old?

How old should kids be to use Instagram? According to the terms of service, you have to be 13, but there's no age-verification process, so it's very easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection.
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Why is WhatsApp age 13+?

WhatsApp has revealed that it's planning to raise the minimum age for users in Europe from 13 to 16, in order to comply with new EU rules around data protection. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force in May, will change the way businesses can use data, raising the bar consent-wise.
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What parents need to know about WhatsApp?

What Parents Need to Know About WhatsApp
  • WhatsApp Uses the Internet, Not a Phone Service: Unlike traditional text messaging, WhatsApp depends solely on Internet connection to send and receive messages. ...
  • WhatsApp Recently Changed Its Age Restrictions: ...
  • WhatsApp Recently Added Location Tracking Services:
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Who uses WhatsApp the most age group?

US Statistics

As of 2020, WhatsApp had a majority (27%) of its users aged between 26 and 35 years. The age bracket of 15 to 25 year-old Americans contributed to 19% of WhatsApp users while the 36 to 45 years-old bracket contributed to 20%. Those aged between 46 and 55 years represented 17% of the users.
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What do teenagers use for messaging?

Kik. Though mostly not known to many parents, teens are well familiar with this free text app. The text message app has no texting limits, anyone can send videos and pictures, and most of the messages can remain anonymous.
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What age is Snapchat?

How old do you have to be to get Snapchat? Age 13 is the minimum age to sign up for Snapchat. This Snapchat age requirement is lower than the minimum age of apps like Instagram, which require users to be 16+.
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What percentage of 11 12 year olds have a social media?

Just 32% believed that news accessed on such platforms was reported truthfully. Ofcom's Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes report found that 46% of 11-year-olds, 51% of 12-year-olds and 28% of 10-year-olds now have a social media profile.
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What age do you have to be to watch YouTube?

You must be at least 13 years old to use the Service; however, children of all ages may use the Service and YouTube Kids (where available) if enabled by a parent or legal guardian. If you are under 18, you represent that you have your parent or guardian's permission to use the Service.
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What age is WhatsApp in UK?

Since May 2018, the minimum age for using WhatsApp is 16 years old if you live in the European Union, including the UK. Prior to this, the minimum age was 13, which still applies for the rest of the world.
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Is WhatsApp a good app?

Functionality. "WhatsApp is the best messaging app on the market, and what I like best about it is the WhatsApp Web, where I can exchange information from my computer to my phone much more quickly." "A great method for communication with the greater international community. Often prefer to use this."
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