Social media law expert Emma Sadleir has urged South African parents to monitor their children’s use of WhatsApp and other social media platforms.
This follows a Gauteng High Court order directing Meta to shut down anonymous Instagram accounts and WhatsApp channels sharing child pornography involving local schoolchildren.
According to SABC News, Sadleir and her team at the Digital Law Company filed the urgent court application after they uncovered disturbing material on the platforms involving school-aged victims.
The content reportedly included graphic photos and videos, often accompanied by personal information such as the child’s name, school grade, and school name.
Sadleir: WhatsApp poses serious risks to children
Speaking after the ruling, Sadleir urged parents to act immediately.
“I really urge every parent listening to go and look at their child’s WhatsApp account, check if they are following any channels,” she said.
“Follow all the rules around digital hygiene, look after your children, and know what they’re doing online,” she added.
She also warned that WhatsApp, often not seen as a social media platform, has become increasingly dangerous.
“What we’re seeing is that WhatsApp is actually more dangerous than the other platforms because of these huge channels. There’s zero accountability, no identifiable person behind them and people are doing whatever they want,” she said.
Parents urged to take digital responsibility
Sadleir stressed that young children should not be using social media, especially platforms like WhatsApp that offer limited oversight.
She said many parents mistakenly believe that WhatsApp is a safer alternative. Unaware of its role in facilitating large, anonymous content-sharing groups.
Meta must act after court ruling
Following the court’s decision, Meta is now required to shut down the offending channels and accounts.
The ruling represents a rare legal intervention targeting encrypted platforms and anonymous accounts involved in the distribution of child sexual abuse material in South Africa.
Do you actively monitor your child’s WhatsApp activity?
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