Module 6 — Safe Messaging Apps & Private Chats

WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, Discord & more – how to use them safely without losing control.

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1️⃣ WhatsApp Privacy – More Than Just Blue Ticks

On WhatsApp you can:
• Hide your “Last Seen” and “Online” status • Control who sees your profile photo and status • Turn off read receipts (blue ticks) • Block and report numbers

Safe habits:
• Only save people you actually know in real life • Be careful in big group chats – not everyone there is your friend • Don’t share live location casually

2️⃣ Instagram DMs & Hidden Requests

Instagram has different inboxes:
• Main / Primary – people you follow • Requests – strangers & non-followed accounts • Hidden requests – often offensive or scam messages

Safer use:
• Don’t click links in requests from strangers • Treat “Instagram Support” DMs as suspicious – they rarely DM you • Turn off “Allow others to add you to groups” if it feels too much

3️⃣ Snapchat – Disappearing? Not Really.

Snapchat messages, snaps and stories can vanish – but:
• People can screenshot or use another device to record • Snap Map can show your exact location to friends • “My Eyes Only” is only safe if your passcode is strong

Turn off Snap Map or set it to “Ghost Mode” if you don’t want your movements visible.

4️⃣ End-to-End Encryption – What It Does & Doesn’t Do

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) means:
• Messages are scrambled so apps can’t read them • Only you and the other person see the content

But it does not stop:
• Screenshots • Forwarding your messages • Someone showing their screen to someone else
Encryption protects the message in transit, not what people do with it.

Danger Zone

5️⃣ “Secret Chats”, Vanish Mode & Private Links

Some apps offer “secret chats”, vanish modes or private codes. Abusers and scammers love these because:
• There’s less evidence left • They can deny what they said • It feels exciting and “exclusive” to you

Red flags:
• “Let’s move to another app, it’s more private” • “Delete our chat each time” • “Don’t tell anyone we’re talking here”

Scam Alert

6️⃣ Red Flag Messages You Should Treat as Suspicious

Examples:
• “You were tagged in this video, click here to see it.” • “Your account will be deleted in 24 hours, verify now.” • “Hi Mum, my phone is broken, can you send money to this account?” • “We’ve noticed suspicious activity. Reply with your code.”

Safe reaction:
• Don’t click the link • Check the official app or website instead • Verify with the person via a number you already know

📘 Scenario – “Hi Mum, It’s Me. I Lost My Phone.”

You see a message pop up on WhatsApp on your mum’s phone:

“Hi Mum, it’s me. I lost my phone. I’m using a friend’s number. I need to pay a bill urgently – can you send £400 to this link?”

This is a real scam hitting families across the UK.

Safer reaction:
• Call the real number you know for your child • Ask a question only they’d know • Never send money just because a message sounds urgent

🎯 Quick Check – Private Chat Safety

Score: 0 / 0

For Parents – Why Messaging Apps Matter

Messaging apps are a huge part of young people’s social lives. Risks include:

Private contact with strangers
Pressure in small groups or private chats
Image sharing & screenshots
Scams using “Hi Mum/Hi Dad” style messages

You don’t have to understand every feature – just enough to ask good questions and stay open.

Helpful Conversations You Can Start

Try:

“Which apps do you actually use to chat?”
“What would you do if a stranger messaged you there?”
“If you ever got a weird message about money, show me first.”

Aim for curiosity, not interrogation. Young people are more honest when they don’t fear instant punishment.

Important

When Private Chats Become Safeguarding Issues

Take action quickly if:

Your child is being asked for images or money
They’re in adult or sexualised group chats
They’re being bullied or threatened in DMs

Steps:
• Keep evidence (screenshots) • Report within the app • Inform school safeguarding, if relevant • Contact police or child protection if you’re worried about safety

Practical Digital Boundaries

Consider agreeing together:

Which apps are allowed and which are not
Who they can accept messages or calls from
That they’ll tell you if anyone asks for money or images
That it’s okay to say “no” and block people

Frame these as safety rules, not punishment.

📘 Parent Scenario – “Mum, I Clicked a Link in a DM.”

Your child tells you they clicked a suspicious link in a private message and now they’re worried.

Helpful response:
“Thank you for telling me. Let’s fix it together.”

Practical steps:
• Change passwords • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) • Log out of other devices • Watch for unusual messages being sent from their account

🚀 More Coming Soon

This module will grow with platform updates and real scam examples, keeping families up to date with the latest tricks used in DMs and private chats.

🚨 If You Get a Scary or Scam Message

1. Don’t reply and don’t click links.

2. Take screenshots of the message and username.

3. Tell a trusted adult, friend, or support service.

4. Block and report the account inside the app.

5. If you feel unsafe or threatened, contact police.

You are allowed to block. You are allowed to say no. Your safety comes first.

Aware 360 Pro Application

MODULE 6 — Safe Messaging Apps & Private Chats

Module 6 — Safe Messaging Apps & Private Chats

🚀 More Coming Soon

Useful Links

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