WhatsApp Parental Controls: Keeping Your Kids Safe in 2025

How To Set Up WhatsApp Parental Controls

To set up parental controls on WhatsApp, you can use the app’s built-in settings or a third-party parental control app. This will help you monitor your child’s activity and keep them safe online.
• Within WhatsApp, you can block contacts, manage privacy settings, disable live location, and prevent automatic saving of images.
• For more comprehensive control, consider using a parental control app like Bark, mSpy, or AirDroid, which can monitor messages, set time limits, and filter inappropriate content.
Continue reading for detailed steps and more in-depth information on each of these methods to help you accomplish your goal of keeping your children safe on WhatsApp.

The Ultimate Guide to WhatsApp Parental Controls: Keeping Your Kids Safe in 2025

It seems like everyone is using WhatsApp to chat with friends and family nowadays. It’s a super popular messaging app where you can send texts, share pictures, and even make calls. But just like with anything online, it’s important to make sure our kids are using it safely. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand and manage your children’s WhatsApp use in 2025. The official age for using WhatsApp is 13 years old, but even then, it’s good to stay informed.

Why Do Parents Need Parental Controls on WhatsApp?

Think of it like this: WhatsApp is like a big playground, and sometimes kids might run into some not-so-great stuff. Here are some things that parents should be aware of:
• Inappropriate content: Kids might see or even share pictures and videos that aren’t right for them.
• Cyberbullying: Sometimes, people aren’t nice online. They might send mean messages or posts, which can really hurt someone’s feelings.
• Privacy: It’s important to protect your child’s personal information.
• Social media addiction: It’s easy to spend too much time on phones, which can lead to problems like not getting enough sleep or not doing homework.
• Unwanted contact: There’s a chance kids could get messages from strangers or people who aren’t safe.
Understanding WhatsApp’s Privacy and Safety Settings
Good news! WhatsApp has some built-in tools to help keep kids safe. Here’s what you can do:
• Block Unwanted Contacts: If someone is bothering your child, you can block them so they can’t send messages or call.
• Report Users: If someone is doing something harmful, you can report them to WhatsApp.
• Turn off Visible Information: You can control who sees things like when your child was last online (“Last Seen”), their profile picture, and their “About” info.
• Manage Live Location: You can stop your child from sharing their live location with others.
• Stop Automatic Saving of Images and Videos: You can turn off automatic saving of media so that only the photos and videos your child chooses are saved to their phone’s gallery.
• Control Group Chats: You can choose who is able to add your child to group chats.
• Read receipts: If you turn off the read receipts feature, senders won’t know if your child has read their message. This helps to reduce pressure to respond right away.
• Silence Unknown Callers: This helps your child avoid calls from people not saved in their contacts.
• WhatsApp Web: WhatsApp can also be used on a computer through a web browser. You can monitor which devices are linked to the app and log out of any devices you don’t recognize.

How Parental Control Apps Monitor WhatsApp

Sometimes, the built-in tools aren’t enough. That’s where parental control apps come in. These apps can help you:
• Monitor Encrypted Chats: Even though WhatsApp messages are encrypted, these apps can still keep an eye on them.
• Use Keyword Monitoring: You can set up words or phrases that will send you an alert if your child uses them.
• Set Time Limits: You can control how long your child uses WhatsApp.
• Screen Capture: Some apps let you see screenshots of your child’s conversations.
• Block Access: You can completely block the app during certain times, like school hours.
• Message Monitoring: Some apps show you the messages your child sends or receives, including disappearing messages.
• Media Monitoring: They also allow you to monitor pictures and videos.
• Other Features: Some apps include real-time screen mirroring, call log access, social media monitoring and location tracking.

Top Parental Control Apps in 2025

There are many parental control apps to choose from, but here are some of the best ones for WhatsApp:
• Bark: This app uses smart AI to scan messages and alerts you when it detects anything concerning. You can also set screen time limits. They offer a 7-day free trial.
• mSpy: Great for monitoring WhatsApp on Android, it lets you see full chats, pictures, and videos. It also takes screenshots and tracks what your child types. However, it does not offer a free trial or money-back guarantee.
• FamiSafe: This app is great for keyword monitoring. It also takes screenshots and has time limits. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Eyezy: This app is good for monitoring WhatsApp on iOS. It shows you chats, images, and videos, and can record the screen. Eyezy does not have a free trial or money-back guarantee.
• Qustodio: This app is good for setting time limits on WhatsApp. It also allows you to block the app and the web version of WhatsApp. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• MMGuardian: This app scans messages for inappropriate content and sends alerts. You can also set custom words to trigger alerts. MMGuardian does not have a money-back guarantee.
• FamilyKeeper: This app is good for tracking keywords on Android. It provides screenshots of messages with flagged words and can set time limits. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• AirDroid Parental Control: This app lets you see your child’s screen, sync notifications, and set keywords. It also has a time scheduler and location tracking. It is available for free and has a web version.

Here’s a quick look at how some of these Parental Controls apps compare (as of January 2025):

Parental Control App	Starting Price	Monitors WhatsApp Messages	Time Limits for WhatsApp	Money-Back Guarantee
Bark	$14.00 / month	Yes, snippets of flagged messages	Yes	No (7-day free trial)
mSpy	$11.67 / month	Yes, full chats, images, and videos	Yes	No
FamiSafe	$9.99 / month	Yes, snippets of flagged messages	Yes	30 days
Eyezy	$6.99 / month	Yes, full chats, images and videos	Yes	No
Qustodio	$4.58 / month	No	Yes	30 days
MMGuardian	$2.49 / month	Yes, messages	Yes	No
FamilyKeeper	$19.99 / month	Yes, keywords in messages	Yes	30 days

Other Parental Control Apps That Did Not Make the Cut

Some apps like Norton Family, Kaspersky, Net Nanny, Hoverwatch, and FamilyTime don’t offer enough WhatsApp monitoring features, so they didn’t make our list.

Free vs. Paid Parental Control Apps

Free parental control apps are often very basic. They might not be as safe or effective as paid apps. Investing in a premium app gives you more features and better protection.

Parental Controls on WhatsApp: A Step-by-Step Guide to Set Them Up

1 .Block Unwanted Content:
◦ Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked.
◦ Select the contacts to block.
2. Report Safety Issues:
◦ Tap and hold a message or contact.
◦ Select “Report”.
3. Turn off Visible Information:
◦ Go to Settings > Account > Privacy.
◦ Adjust settings for “Last Seen,” “Profile Photo,” and “About” to “Nobody” or “My Contacts”.
4. Turn off Live Location:
◦ Go to Settings > Privacy > Live Location.
◦ Choose which contacts to exclude from seeing the location, or turn it off completely.
5. Turn off Save Images:
◦ Go to Settings > Chats.
◦ Turn off “Media Visibility”.
6. Control Group Chats:
◦ Go to Settings > Privacy > Groups.
◦ Select “My Contacts” or “My Contacts Except…”.

Addressing Common Concerns and Questions Parental Controls on WhatsApp

• Can I restrict the amount of time my child spends on WhatsApp? Yes, many apps allow you to set daily time limits.
• Is it possible to view WhatsApp messages sent to my child’s phone? Yes, some apps can show you full chats, while others only show flagged messages.
• Can parental controls see WhatsApp messages? Yes, many apps can, but they work differently.
• Is it possible to use a free app for monitoring WhatsApp? Free apps often have limited features and might not be very effective.
• Which parental control app offers the best WhatsApp monitoring features? Many experts recommend Bark for its AI monitoring and other features.
• Do parental control apps provide WhatsApp monitoring for group chats? Yes, they monitor group chats just like individual chats.
• Should I let my 11-year-old have WhatsApp? WhatsApp’s policy does not allow users under 13, and it is best to protect younger children from potential risks.
• How do I block WhatsApp on my kid’s phone? You can block the app through app stores, but parental control apps offer better ways to control access.
• How do I see my daughter’s WhatsApp without them knowing? Some parental control apps run in stealth mode.
• Can someone see my WhatsApp from another phone? Usually no, but third-party apps can allow others to see your messages.
• How can I monitor my child’s WhatsApp messages? You can use parental control apps, or sync your computer through WhatsApp Web.

The Importance of Open Communication and Digital Responsibility in Parental Controls on WhatsApp

It’s super important to talk to your kids about online safety. Make sure they know they can always come to you if something is wrong. Set some family rules about using phones and apps. Try to be a good role model by using your own devices responsibly.
Introducing “Keeping Families Safe on Social Media” and Online Safety Contracts
For even more in-depth guidance on navigating the complexities of online safety, consider exploring resources like Lydia Agbobidi’s insightful book, “Keeping Families Safe on Social Media.” This book provides parents with valuable strategies and practical tips for creating a safe online environment for their children. It covers a range of topics, including setting boundaries, managing privacy, and fostering open communication. Using resources like this can empower you to have informed discussions and set clear expectations for responsible social media use.
Another great tool is introducing online safety contracts. These agreements, created together with your child, outline what is acceptable behavior online. This can include rules about screen time, sharing information, and respectful communication. By having a clear, written agreement, everyone in the family knows what is expected, making digital safety a shared responsibility.
The Online Safety Act 2023 and What it Means for Parents
The Online Safety Act 2023 is a new law designed to make the internet safer, especially for kids. It means that social media companies and search services have new duties to protect users. This law is being implemented in stages, with stronger protections for children expected by Summer 2025. Ofcom is the independent regulator for Online Safety.

There are ways to make parental controls on WhatsApp easier, WhatsApp is not the only app that needs you to have clear parental controls.

Parental Controls on WhatsApp and Other Concerning Apps

TikTok is another app that parents should be aware of. Some risks include:
• Exposure to bad content
• Cyberbullying
• Privacy problems
• Possible interaction with dangerous people
Some ways to keep your children safe on TikTok are by using parental control apps, educating children about online risks, reviewing their followers, and talking openly about their online experiences.

Keeping our kids safe online can feel like a big job, but it’s definitely doable! By using WhatsApp’s built-in settings, exploring parental control apps, having open chats with your kids, and using tools like online safety contracts and resources like Lydia Agbobidi’s book, you can help them navigate the digital world safely. Stay informed, stay adaptable, and together, we can make sure our kids have a positive experience online!

Step-by-Step Positive Education

1. Start with Open Communication
◦ Have a conversation, not a lecture: Initiate a discussion with your child about their online activities, specifically on WhatsApp. Ask them why they like using the app and what they use it for. Try to understand their perspective before imposing rules.
◦ Explain your concerns: Share why you, as a parent, are concerned about their online safety, mentioning potential risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and contact with strangers.
◦ Emphasize collaboration: Frame parental controls as a way to help them stay safe, not as a form of punishment or distrust. Emphasize that you want to work together to navigate the digital world safely.
2. Educate About WhatsApp Privacy Settings
◦ Walk through the privacy settings together: Show your child the various privacy settings within WhatsApp. Explain what each setting does and how it can protect their personal information.
◦ Focus on specific settings:
▪ Last seen: Discuss why turning off or limiting who sees their “last seen” status can be beneficial.
▪ Profile photo: Explain the importance of limiting who can see their profile photo.
▪ About section: Show your child how to ensure no private information is displayed in their “about” section.
▪ Live location: Explain the importance of keeping live location off, and how it can be a risk for children to share their live location.
▪ Groups: Discuss how to manage who can add them to groups.
▪ Media visibility: Show how to turn off auto-saving of media.
◦ Empower them to make choices: Encourage them to take control of these settings themselves and explain why each one is beneficial. Help them understand that these settings are not just about keeping things private from you, but also from people they don’t know.
3. Introduce the Concept of “Digital Citizenship”
◦ Define responsible online behavior: Explain to your child what it means to be a responsible digital citizen. This includes being respectful of others, not engaging in cyberbullying, and being mindful of the content they share.
◦ Discuss the impact of their words and actions: Help them understand that their actions online can have real-world consequences. Encourage them to think before they post and to consider how their words might affect others.
◦ Talk about the risks of sharing personal information: Educate them about the dangers of sharing personal information with strangers, whether it is their address, phone number, or other identifying details.
4. Explore Parental Control Apps (If Necessary)
◦ Frame it as a safety measure: If you feel that you need to use a parental control app, approach it as an additional safety measure, rather than a means to spy on them. Choose an app that focuses on key safety concerns without excessive monitoring.
◦ Highlight key features: Explain what features the app offers, like keyword monitoring, time limits, and content filtering.
◦ Discuss the rationale: Explain why you feel the need for the app; for example, monitoring for cyberbullying, or making sure they are not being exposed to explicit content.
◦ Consider app recommendations from the sources:
▪ Bark: For overall monitoring and alerts about concerning content.
▪ mSpy: For comprehensive monitoring, including messages, images, and videos, especially on Android.
▪ FamiSafe: For keyword monitoring, with customizable lists and screen time management.
▪ AirDroid: For screen mirroring, real time alerts and location tracking.
◦ Involve them in the process: Where possible, allow them to be part of the decision making process when choosing a parental control app to create a sense of ownership.
5. Establish Clear Guidelines and Expectations
◦ Set clear rules: Collaboratively create rules regarding WhatsApp usage, including time limits, appropriate content, and interactions with strangers.
◦ Use a digital family agreement: A family agreement is a tool you can use to document your agreement and understanding.
◦ Be consistent: Enforce the rules consistently to help your child understand the boundaries and take them seriously.
◦ Allow for flexibility: Be open to revisiting the rules and expectations as they mature and gain more online experience.
6. Regular Check-Ins and Ongoing Dialogue
◦ Make it a habit: Schedule regular check-ins with your child to discuss their online experiences, both positive and negative.
◦ Encourage them to share: Encourage them to share any concerns they may have, whether it is about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or any other issue.
◦ Be approachable: Create a safe space where they feel comfortable talking to you about anything that happens online. Let them know that you will support them and help them navigate any challenges they may face.
7. Model Healthy Digital Habits
◦ Practice what you preach: Be mindful of your own online habits, as your children are learning from your example.
◦ Put away your phone: Show them that you can put away your phone and be present in the moment.
◦ Use technology mindfully: Show them that technology is a tool, not the center of your life.
Key Principles
• Empowerment, not control: The goal is to empower your child to make responsible decisions online, rather than simply controlling their actions.
• Open communication: Maintain open, honest, and ongoing conversations about their online activity.
• Collaboration: Work with your child, rather than against them, to create a safe online environment.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt your approach as your child matures and their online landscape evolves.
By following this step-by-step training guide using positive education, you can help your child navigate WhatsApp safely while also building trust and open communication. This approach will be more effective in the long run than simply imposing restrictions without explanation or dialogue.

Frequently Asked Questions on WhatsApp Parental Controls

Q: Why is parental control on WhatsApp important?

A: Parental controls on WhatsApp help parents track suspicious activities, set limits on content, and prevent interactions with unknown contacts. It can also help to prevent cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and social media addiction. Using parental controls can also teach children to be more responsible for their online behavior.

Q: What are the basic parental control options within WhatsApp?

A: WhatsApp has several built-in privacy settings that can be used for parental control:
• Blocking unwanted contacts: This prevents specific users from contacting your child.
• Reporting safety and security issues: You can report inappropriate content or users to WhatsApp for review.
• Turning off visible information: This allows you to control who can see your child’s profile photo, last seen status, and about information.
• Turning off live location: This prevents your child from sharing their location with others.
• Turning off “last seen”: This can prevent others from knowing when your child was last active on the app.
• Turning off save images: This stops media from being automatically saved to your child’s device gallery.
• Controlling who can add your child to groups: You can choose who can add your child to group chats.

Q: What can third-party parental control apps do for WhatsApp?

A: Third-party apps can offer more extensive monitoring and control features:
• Monitoring encrypted chats: Some apps can scan encrypted messages, including photos and videos, for inappropriate content.
• Keyword monitoring: These apps can alert you when specific words or phrases are used in messages.
• Setting time limits: You can restrict how much time your child spends on WhatsApp.
• Blocking access to the app: These apps can block access to the WhatsApp app entirely during certain hours, or all the time if necessary.
• Screen capture: Some apps can take screenshots of your child’s WhatsApp activity, including images and videos.
• Accessing calls: You may be able to monitor incoming and outgoing calls and who your child is talking to.
• Live screen monitoring: Some apps allow you to see what is on your child’s screen in real-time.
• Web filtering: These features block access to the WhatsApp web version.

Q: What are some of the best parental control apps for WhatsApp?

A: Several apps are highlighted in the sources, each with specific strengths:
• Bark: Considered the best overall, it scans encrypted messages for inappropriate content, allows screen time scheduling, and offers web filtering. It sends alerts with snippets of flagged conversations.
• mSpy: Excellent for monitoring WhatsApp on Android, mSpy captures screenshots, logs keystrokes, and allows access to full chats, including images and videos.
• FamiSafe: Great for keyword monitoring and setting time limits, it also includes a screen viewer feature. It also has preset categories of keywords to monitor.
• Eyezy: Good for monitoring WhatsApp on iOS, it provides access to chats, images, and videos, along with a screen recorder.
• Qustodio: Best for setting time limits on WhatsApp usage and blocking access to the web version.
• MMGuardian: Monitors for inappropriate content, sends alerts, and allows custom keywords. It also allows for scheduling time limits for the app.
• FamilyKeeper: Offers good keyword tracking for WhatsApp on Android, providing screenshots of flagged conversations.
• AirDroid Parental Control: Allows screen mirroring, notification syncing, keyword monitoring, scheduling, call log access, and real-time GPS location tracking. It is noted for its ability to operate in stealth mode.

Q: Can I monitor my child’s WhatsApp messages without them knowing?

A: Yes, some parental control apps, like AirDroid, run in stealth mode and allow you to monitor messages without the child knowing.

Q: Can I see deleted messages?

A: Yes, some apps, such as mSpy and Eyezy, have features like screen recording and keylogging that can capture messages even if they are deleted.

Q: Are there free parental control apps for WhatsApp?

A: Generally, free parental control apps are limited in functionality and can be easily bypassed. Premium apps are recommended for effective monitoring.

Q: Can I set time limits for WhatsApp?

A: Yes, most parental control apps allow you to set daily screen time limits for WhatsApp. Some apps, like Bark, also offer customizable schedules.

Q: Can parental control apps monitor WhatsApp group chats?

A: Yes, all apps on the list that offer WhatsApp monitoring include support for group chats.

Q: What is the age limit for WhatsApp?

A: The official age limit for WhatsApp is 13 years old in the UK and Europe.

Q: How do I block someone on WhatsApp?

A: You can block a contact by going to their chat, tapping on their name, and selecting “Block Contact”.

Q: How do I report someone on WhatsApp?

A: You can report a contact by going to their chat, tapping on their name, and selecting “Report Contact”.

Q: How do I turn off “Last Seen” on WhatsApp?

A: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy, and tap “Last Seen” to choose who can see your “last seen” status.

Q: How do I turn off live location on WhatsApp?

A: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and tap “Live Location” to manage the settings. You can also disable it from your device’s settings.

Q: How do I stop media from automatically saving on WhatsApp?

A: Go to Settings > Chats and turn off “Media Visibility” (or “Save to Camera Roll” on iOS).

Q: How do I manage who can add my child to WhatsApp groups?

A: Go to Settings > Privacy > Groups and set it to “My Contacts” or “My Contacts Except…”.

Q: What is WhatsApp Web?

A: WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp through a browser on a computer. You need an existing account on your mobile device to access WhatsApp Web.

Q: What are some digital resolutions families can make to improve online safety?

A: Some suggested resolutions include modeling healthy digital habits, setting up age-appropriate privacy settings and filters, having regular conversations about online experiences, and using tools like Digital Family agreements.

Q: What is the Online Safety Act and how will it affect online safety?

A: The Online Safety Act 2023 includes new duties for social media companies and search services to protect users, especially children. It also includes age verification requirements for accessing online pornography.

Q: What are some risks associated with TikTok, and what measures can parents take to keep their children safe on the platform?

A: Risks associated with TikTok include exposure to explicit material, cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and potential interaction with online predators. Parents can use parental control apps, educate their children about online risks, regularly review their followers, and maintain open communication about their online experiences.