WhatsApp just got parental controls. And no, it’s not the yawn you think it is.
WhatsApp’s new parental controls give South African parents a practical way to help teens stay safer online without invading their privacy. From monitoring group chat growth to managing profile visibility and Meta AI access, these tools create opportunities for meaningful conversations about digital safety, trust and responsible online behaviour.
What is happening in the boys chat group when the girls aren’t on it
Group chats can quickly turn from harmless fun into spaces where children are humiliated, excluded, or exposed to harmful content. The Cornell case highlights why parents need to understand what happens behind the screen. Learn how peer pressure, silence and online behaviour affect children—and how to start meaningful conversations at home.
Serial Murderer: Your Child Has Already Heard Something. Here’s How to Talk About It
When frightening news breaks close to home, chances are your child has already heard something. Here’s how to talk to children and teens about scary news in a calm, age-appropriate way — helping them separate fact from fear, navigate what they’re seeing online and feel safe coming to you with questions.
The people who built AI are getting nervous. Should parents be?
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in children’s lives, parents need to consider what young people may be giving up when they rely on technology to think, learn and connect. Rather than panicking, parents should stay curious, start conversations and help children develop the digital citizenship skills needed to use AI responsibly.
The Cat in the Hat Hoax Isn’t Real. The Fear It’s Creating Is.
AI-generated Cat in the Hat hoaxes are frightening children by making fake threats feel real. Learn why this trend is different, how it can affect children, and what parents can do. This article offers practical advice and four simple conversation starters to help children recognise, question, report, and safely respond to scary content.
It Starts With Kindness, Not Creepiness.
Groomers often use a simple formula to build trust with children online: flattery, gifts and secrecy. What begins as gaming, compliments or free virtual items can gradually move into private conversations and secrecy. Learn how to recognise these warning signs and start open, honest conversations with your child about online safety.
Two WhatsApp invites, one party. Which one were you shown?
When a “disco party” invitation looks harmless, but a different version circulates among teens, parents may need to look beyond the theme and outfits. This article explores why teenagers sometimes present different versions of events, what parents should know about Euphoria, and how to start honest, non-confrontational conversations about parties and online content.
Coverstar Isn’t Dangerous. That’s Almost the Problem.
Coverstar may offer stronger safety features than many social media platforms, but “safe” does not mean risk-free. The bigger concern is how children respond to public approval, popularity and comparison. Parents should explore the platform alongside their children, encourage open conversations and help them develop healthy digital habits before granting independence.
Your Mr Smarty Pants Outsmarted Your Parental Controls. Now What?
Modern parental controls are helpful, but they’re not foolproof. Curious kids often find simple ways around digital restrictions, making open conversations more important than technology alone. Learn six common loopholes, why connection beats control, and four practical conversation starters to help build trust, digital resilience, and safer online habits at home.
When Your Kid’s Hero Gets Arrested: Talking to Our Kids About Andrew Tate
The recent charges against Andrew Tate are an opportunity to start meaningful conversations with boys, not to say “I told you so.” Rather than focusing on legal cases, explore why his message appealed to them, encourage critical thinking about online influencers, and reinforce positive ideas of strength, respect, and independent decision-making.