SMART with your Smartphone

Group Chats

What we know about group chats

People are friend loyal, not brand loyal when it comes to messaging
Young people, like adults, will use the platform that heir friends are using
Most common platforms for messaging are: Snapchat, WhatsApp, discord, messenger, iMessage
Young people also communicate online while playing games

The worlds most popular messaging app - predominantly by adults
Fast, simple secure messages and calls for free available on phones all over the world
WhatsApp is encrypted; messages can only be seen by the sender and receiver
In 2021, WhatsApp was the most used app for communication, reaching 53% of UK children (stat from National Online Safety)

On WhatsApp, you can:

You can be added to groups where you do not know all of the people
People in the group can see your number & profile picture as a default
If you set-up a group that is reported, you could end up being banned from WhatsApp
Cyberbullying - embarrassing someone in a group in front of peers
If sending text, things said can be taken out of context and seen as bullying (there is no tone, facial gesture or body language). The message may be misinterpreted.
Watch out for people sending and editing screenshots
Lots of forwarding of content and links - can be inappropriate and can go viral

Recommendations

Familiarise yourself with privacy and security settings
Change privacy settings (video below)
Avoid sharing location - particularly when you do not know everyone in the group
Switch off on WhatsApp settings
Watch out for scams sent through links - don't clip
Consider preventative measures relating to time young people can use social media
Turn off notifications or mute from the group if notifications are overwhelming
Use do not disturb setting