It started as an alternative to standard text messaging.

Eight years
later, WhatsApp is among the most popular messaging apps.
The app boasts more than 1 billion users in 180 countries, offering a
combination of text messaging with the ability to send everything
from photos and videos to documents. There are other cool perks,
too, such as the ability to make video and voice calls.
But as with any app where you are sharing information, there are
pitfalls to consider if you're a concerned parent with kids who use
WhatsApp. Let's break it down: It's a messaging app named
after the phrase "what's up." It's a faster, easier take on text
messaging, allowing users to quickly share photos, videos, even
documents. It blends some elements of video apps like FaceTime,
such as the ability to make a video or voice call.
Setup is pretty simple. Users just confirm their phone number and
they can start using it. The app leverages your phone contacts, so
you add friends, family and other people as you would any contact
on your device. Messages are encrypted end to end, which means
only the sender and recipient can see them.
It's consistently among the top 25 overall apps on both Apple's App
Store and Google Play over the past year, according to data from
analytics firm App Annie. As of publishing, WhatsApp is the third
most popular social networking app on Apple's store, behind
Facebook Messenger and Facebook. (By the way, Facebook also
owns WhatsApp).
One key benefit is the ability to make voice or video calls using data
instead of talk or text minutes. On many plans, text and talk is
unlimited so it's not a big deal. But for those with minute or texting
restrictions, WhatsApp can help you save a little money.
It's also easy to set up and use. If you're comfortable text
messaging, then WhatsApp shouldn't be a problem. There are also
cool features like broadcast, where you can send a message to a
group of people, but they can only respond to the sender.
As with text messaging, the real concern is over what your kids
share. Is it fun conversation with friends, or something
inappropriate for their age? Of course, text messaging means
kids HYPERLINK
"https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2017/05/21/sn
eaky-teen-texting-codes-what-they-mean-when-
worry/101844248/" might use acronyms to hide what they're really
talking about. There's also the option for users to send photos and
video, as with text messaging, opening the door for more
inappropriate conduct.
One big plus for WhatsApp: it's tied to your cell phone number.
With most social apps, there's a discovery element where you can
seek out random users. Unless your kid is freely handing out their
phone number, it's tough to just find someone at random.
The obvious one is talking to kids about who has access to their
phone number. Make sure they're aware of any boundaries set on
who can call or text them.
Also, talk to your kids about what they share with friends. Discuss
what you consider appropriate information to share with friends.
WhatsApp also features privacy settings to let users decide whether
to show information like their profile photo, bio, status or the last
time they were on WhatsApp. Options are Everyone, My Contacts
or Nobody.