[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A free social community, connected by the love of reading? For parents of avid and reluctant readers alike, the digital reading app Wattpad sounds like the perfect place for them to be inspired and entertained through new, diverse stories they just don\u2019t have access to on the shelves. The free platform passed 500 million users in 2020, and shows no sign of slowing in popularity, particularly among teens and young adults. But <\/span>is Wattpad safe for kids<\/b>, <\/b>despite its younger user base? As a parent, here\u2019s everything you need to know about the online story-sharing community.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Qustodio:<\/b> 13+ with parental involvement<\/span><\/p>\n Apple:<\/a><\/strong> 17+<\/span><\/p>\n Android:<\/a><\/strong> Teen (generally suitable for ages 13 and up)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wattpad is an online reading platform designed to help its users find, enjoy, and even publish original stories.<\/b> Wattpad is accessible via its own website and app, where users can upload their own amateur stories, or simply read content published by others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What started as a mobile reading app in 2006 offering free ebooks has now grown into a hugely popular social reading platform, especially among younger readers. According to statistics compiled by the platform, <\/span>90% of Wattpad\u2019s <\/b>90 million monthly users<\/b><\/a> are Gen Z or Millennials.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n With amateur writers publishing in over 50 languages, Wattpad has become a global success, allowing readers anywhere to pick up their mobile and enjoy stories on-the-go, no matter where they are in the world. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If your child loves diving into new stories, a free social reading platform allowing them to both read and publish their very own creative content sounds like a match made in heaven. With chapters and chapters of fictional stories, <\/span>children are pretty much guaranteed to find something that interests and entertains them<\/b>, and as the entire Wattpad library is available online, no trip to the bookstore or library is needed. And for kids who are less excited to pick up a book, the fact that Wattpad can be accessed from their phone, computer, or tablet might just get them reading every once in a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the big draws of Wattpad for kids is <\/span>fanfiction<\/span><\/a>, which makes up a huge chunk of the published work on the platform. Fans of just about anything, from Among Us<\/a> to <\/span>His Dark Materials<\/span><\/i>, write and read stories based on their favorite characters, plotlines, and real-life personalities. <\/span>Fanfiction is especially popular among children, as it allows them to explore their interests, get creative, and share what they love<\/b> with members of a wider online community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Aside from fanfiction, <\/span>Wattpad also hosts a huge amount of original, user-produced content<\/b>. You\u2019ve probably heard of, or seen, the Netflix movie <\/span>The Kissing Booth<\/span><\/i>. What you might not know about it, however, is that it first sprung to life on Wattpad. Teen author Beth Reekles penned the story using the online platform after growing tired of reading stories about \u201cvampires and werewolves\u201d. Her young adult novel, published chapter by chapter, began to rapidly grow in popularity on the site, and before long she was offered a publishing deal at the impressive age of just 17.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While stories like Beth\u2019s are not the norm, they\u2019re certainly in the realm of possibility through Wattpad. <\/span>The platform offers children and young adults a creative outlet<\/b>, not only giving them the chance to express themselves, but also the small possibility that their stories could go viral, without them having to pitch to publishers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/05\/27101453\/Wattpad_Insideimage.png” alt=”A parents guide to Wattpad” title_text=”Parents_guide_to_wattpad” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For parents of devoted readers and budding writers, Wattpad might be beginning to sound as if it\u2019s the ideal place. Unfortunately, <\/span>while Wattpad can be a source of entertainment and creativity for kids, it\u2019s also full of content which is inappropriate for young readers<\/b>. Through stories on Wattpad, children could be exposed to:<\/span><\/p>\n As Wattpad is also a social platform, allowing community members to interact with one another through comments on their story chapters, or through direct messages, <\/span>children could be subject to online abuse from people they don\u2019t know<\/b>, or contacted by much older strangers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wattpad attempts to limit exposure to inappropriate content in the following ways:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Using the \u201cMature\u201d rating<\/b><\/p>\n If a story on Wattpad is rated \u201cMature\u201d, it is designed to be read by audiences aged 17+. <\/span>Once a story is rated as Mature, it will not be as easy for younger readers to search for and access<\/b>. Stories containing explicit content, self-harm themes, and graphic descriptions of violence are labeled as Mature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Removing inappropriate content<\/b><\/p>\n Stories which are rated Mature cannot contain themes or content which the platform deems inappropriate. <\/span>Wattpad removes stories which depict a range of sexual content<\/b>, including illegal sex acts and pornographic material. Wattpad also allows users to post images, videos, GIFs and sound clips, which can be removed from the platform if they do not comply with its content guidelines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Banning users<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b>As well as removing individual stories, Wattpad also bans users who fail to comply with their content guidelines. In addition to restricting inappropriate content, <\/span>Wattpad does not allow users to make threats of violence or promote hate<\/b> towards individuals or any group of people. Users who reveal private information about others, in a practice otherwise known as <\/span>doxxing<\/span><\/a>, may also be removed. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While Wattpad has its own restrictions and guidelines that attempt to make the community safer for younger readers, it\u2019s very difficult to guarantee that your child will not come across content which is either inappropriate for their age, or which does not tie into your family\u2019s values.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some ways you can help make your child\u2019s Wattpad experience safer include<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWattpad ratings<\/b><\/h2>\n
What is Wattpad?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
What do kids like about Wattpad? <\/b><\/h2>\n
Is Wattpad safe for kids? <\/b><\/h2>\n
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How can I make Wattpad safe for my kids? <\/b><\/h2>\n