What parents need to know about Whisper

Whisper is a social app that allows people to share secrets anonymously with others around the world. Users can post messages without revealing their identities. To use the app, people type their message into a blank field, and the app suggests a stock photo to pair with it.

They can either use that image or upload their own, then publish the "whisper" (secret) to a live feed. Posts range from personal experiences and challenges to thoughts about home, school, relationships, and even mental health. One can browse these posts based on different categories like topic, location, popularity, or when they were posted.

Users can also engage with whispers by commenting, liking (with a heart icon), replying with their own whisper, or sending a private message. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, these posts aren't tied to the user's identity, so you don't know who is behind the statements.

Whisper's creators describe it as a platform where people can share "real thoughts and feelings, forge relationships, and engage in conversations on an endless variety of topics without identities or profiles."

In October 2022, Whisper was temporarily removed from the Apple App Store, returned in March 2024, and was removed again from the Google Play Store in September 2024.

How the Place Where Kids Share Secrets Works

On Whisper, there are no profiles, friends, or followers. The app, however, asks users to share their location to suggest nearby groups or schools, but it doesn't ask for photos or email addresses. So everyone in one school can talk about anyone else but it is all done anonymously.

Users can communicate by responding to each other's Whispers- by sending a new Whisper or using the chat function. It's important to note that maintaining anonymity is more challenging when using the chat or private messaging function.

Although the app is supposed to be for users 17 and older, many younger teens are drawn to Whisper because of its promise of anonymity.

Whisper uses location data, which means it shows posts from people nearby or related to specific themes, like schools. This may lead to harmful conversations targeting specific teachers or classmates in a negative way. Teens might feel free to reveal their thoughts, secrets, and feelings without worrying about consequences. They may take advantage of the dark side of anonymity - negative behavior, cyberbullying, racism, and vulgar language.

Top Safety Concerns with Whisper

Parents must understand that nobody is 100% anonymous on Whisper. The app tracks users to keep serial offenders away, and it collects data from users according to their terms and conditions.

Inappropriate Content

Some users to post offensive or inappropriate content that's not suitable for kids. There are over 20 adult-themed groups on the app, which means younger users could stumble across things that are far from age-appropriate.

Cyberbullying

Under the shield of anonymity, some users may feel emboldened to troll or bully others without fearing any consequences. If someone disagrees with a post, they can lash out in ways that can be harmful, especially for teens who are more vulnerable to negative online interactions. The lack of accountability makes it easy for bullying to spiral, potentially affecting a teen's mental health.

Privacy Issues

With location sharing enabled, posts appear in local feeds, making them less anonymous than their authors might think. This could put their privacy at risk, as anyone nearby can see their whispers.

Oversharing

Teens might reveal more than they should, feeling safe behind the idea of anonymity. The endless stream of posts can also lead to addictive behavior, with users staying on the app longer to keep reading and reacting to others' whispers.

Peer Pressure

Whisper can also foster an environment where teens might feel pressured to keep up with others. Some users brag about their achievements, wealth, or experiences, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Peer pressure on the app can push teens to behave in ways they wouldn't normally.

Privacy and Security Settings on Whisper

Whisper offers very few privacy and security features; here are details about them:

Location Settings

Whisper customizes your feed based on your location, showing posts from people nearby. You'll be asked to allow Whisper to access your location when you first start using the app. If you want to see local posts, tap "Allow," but if you prefer more privacy, it's best to deny location access. Additionally, if you select the "School" tab, Whisper will prompt you to choose a nearby school. If you're not in school, you can tap "I don't go to school," and the feed will switch to "Featured" secrets instead.

Content Filters: Hide NSFW (Not Safe For Work) Content

If you want to prevent your child from seeing explicit or inappropriate content, make sure to enable the option to hide NSFW content.

Content Flagging: You can flag inappropriate content for review by Whisper moderators.

Profile Settings

In the "Me" section, Whisper automatically assigns a nickname for you, but you can change it at any time to something of your choice. Remember to keep your nickname anonymous to protect your identity.

• Create a PIN to secure your Whisper account and prevent others from accessing it.
• Change your location or school if you need to update this information.
• Enable or disable push notifications to control how often Whisper alerts you about activity on the app.
• Account Deactivation. If you decide Whisper is not for you, there is an option to deactivate or delete your account.

How to Protect Children on Whisper

Considering the risks associated with Whisper, it's best to encourage kids to avoid it altogether. Having secrets and feeling the urge to share is normal, but doing so in an unsafe environment may generate more problems than relief.

However, if your child is already using the app, here are some steps you can take to help keep them safe:

1. Turn off Location Services. Disable the app's location tracking to prevent Whisper from showing posts or secrets based on your child's location.
2. Talk About Online Anonymity. Discuss the risks of chatting or sharing personal information with others anonymously. While it may feel like a safe space to share secrets, anonymity can often lead to more harm than good if not used carefully. Have open conversations about the potential risks, like cyberbullying or interactions with strangers, and share real-life examples to make these dangers more relatable.
3. Monitor How Your Child Uses Whisper. If you want to monitor the activities of your kids without removing Whisper from their phones, then you can use a parental control app like  Bitdefender Parental Control. From setting time limits and filtering content to tracking their location and viewing activity reports, it's a great way to create a safer, more balanced digital experience.

FAQs

Is Whisper safe for children?

No, Whisper is not considered safe for children. The app allows users to post and share anonymously, which can expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. While the app is rated for users 17 and older, there is no strict age verification process, making it easy for underage users to join.

How do I disable location services on Whisper?

To disable location services on Whisper, go to your device's settings, find the location services section, and turn off location access for Whisper or go to the app’s location setting and turn it off.

How can I block Whisper on my child's phone?

You can block Whisper on your child's phone by using parental control apps like Bitdefender Parental Control. It allows you to restrict access to specific apps, set time limits, or completely block Whisper (or any other apps you consider inappropriate for your children) from being used.