Parents of kids in Year 7/8/9, what are the unspoken rules of WhatsApp? My daughter (12) just got her first mobile phone and is navigating the world of WhatsApp. She's in several Year 7 group chats and is exchanging messages with both new and old friends. However, she’s feeling unsure about how to engage appropriately without coming across as immature or annoying. For instance, she prefers typing full sentences while most others use acronyms, catchphrases, memes and emoji's.
She doesn’t spend hours on her phone and won’t be able to reply to messages instantly, especially in busy group chats where messages pile up. What’s the best approach? Should she leave messages unread, read and reply later, or ignore memes and posts that don’t interest her? Additionally, she’s part of a few larger year 7 groups, which she doesn't post on but feels too embarrassed to leave. Is it rude to sit in groups without posting or only posting sometimes?
Any tips on navigating these situations, as well as advice on maintaining a positive and safe online presence to help with both new and existing friendships, would be greatly appreciated.
We want to help her build confidence and socialise without falling into any dramas or pitfalls. Please don't suggest she shouldn't be on WhatsApp—it's helping her make friends and organise meet-ups. Thank you!