Youths (under 18)
Staying Safe on WhatsApp
Staying safe online
Setting privacy and safety controls
WhatsApp is a messaging app where you can chat with friends and family, join group conversations, and create or follow channels. While it is a great way to stay connected, messages can sometimes feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Knowing how to adjust your settings can help you stay safe online.
How can using WhatsApp affect you?
WhatsApp is mainly designed for private messaging. Anyone who has your phone number can contact you or add you to a group chat. As a result, you may receive messages that:
Are sent from fake accounts pretending to be someone you know
Contain harassing, abusive or threatening language
Ask for personal information, photos or verification codes
Are sent from unknown numbers that try to start a conversation with you
Because messages are private, it may feel harder to deal with situations like harassment or unwanted contact.
WhatsApp also allows users to follow or create channels to receive updates or share content with a wider audience. These channels are public, one-way broadcasts that appear in the Updates tab, separate from private chats.
If you follow a channel, you may be exposed to misleading or inappropriate content, or be directed to phishing websites through shared links.
If you create a channel, your updates may be viewed by a wide audience, including people you do not know.
If messages or channel content start to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, then it may be time to adjust your settings to protect yourself.
How can you protect yourself on WhatsApp?
The minimum age to use WhatsApp independently in Singapore is 13 years old. If you are under 13, your parents can consider setting up a parent-managed account for you to support your safety.
Stay safe by reviewing your settings to manage who can see your information and contact you.
You can:
Conduct a "Privacy Checkup" to strengthen the security of your account
Choose who can see your last seen and online status, profile photo, about information and links you share on your profile
Choose who can add you to group chats
Limit how others can share your messages, photos and videos outside of WhatsApp
If you own a channel, avoid sharing personal data or anything you would not be comfortable sharing publicly
Leave group chats that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Unfollow or report channels that are inappropriate
Silence unknown callers and block phone numbers you do not want to interact with
What else can you do when something does not feel right?
Sometimes, certain messages or interactions may cause discomfort and make you feel unsafe.
When that happens, remember:
You do not have to respond or explain yourself
Saving screenshots can help if you want to report harmful behaviour
Blocking or reporting is okay
Talking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or counsellor, can help you figure out next steps
Getting support early can prevent things from getting worse
Where can you learn more about WhatsApp’s safety tools?
Visit these resources to find out more about staying safe on WhatsApp:
WhatsApp Help Centre: Find out more about WhatsApp’s features, managing your account and protecting your privacy
Teen Information Centre: Explore tools and features that can help you navigate WhatsApp safely
You can also explore other online safety resources on our website for more advice on staying safe online.