To want DS WhatsApp password

[BabyYodasGotMyTeacher]

DS uses WhatsApp to chat with friends (since Christmas) - some of which is a rather large class group and some is smaller groups. There were a couple of issues last term and we insisted that we should have access to his phone so that can keep an eye on what's being said.

I have previously checked it while he's at school/asleep but he's now put a password on WhatsApp so I can't access.

He said that he's OK with me looking at it with him but he doesn't want to give me free access.

I recognise that he wants to be able to have private conversations and he's starting to get interested in girls so that may be a factor, but I also want to be able to keep oversight.

AIBU to insist on having the password?

He's Yr 6 if that makes a difference (and if it does when does it change?)

No password no phone. The amount of children being bullied on WhatsApp is insane

Not saying he is, but what if your son is using WhatsApp inappropriately? Could be why he's being secretive.

Year 6? You get unfettered access or the phone goes.

I would be checking his phone very carefully right now, because something is going on for him to lock WhatsApp and say you can't access it without him.

Have you set the archive up? Set it do auto download to your account in case he trys to delete what he is getting upto

Girls and relationships shouldn't feature at age 10/11 so why is there a "need" for privacy

Thanks fur the reassurance. The status quo has been restored.

I think its quite sensible he has a password protected phone so nothing gets added to it at school that could land him in trouble that said the password should be set by you and known by you.

I checked all my boys phone every night until they were in the last term of Year 8, so 13ish.