From today (11 April) any child in Europe over the age of 12 can legally access the messaging service.
But campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood is calling on WhatsApp to reverse the decision to ensure children are being better protected online.
They are concerned that through the service, children are at greater risk of cyber bullying, mental health problems and not being able to concentrate in class.
Young people’s access to sexual and violent imagery and self-harm material is another concern raised by campaigners around WhatsApp’s age reduction.
“WhatsApp are putting shareholder profits first and children’s safety second,” said Smartphone Free Childhood co-founder Daisy Greenwell.
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