Minimum age according to Terms of Use: 13+

What is Viber?

Viber is a messaging and calling app popular worldwide, including in Serbia. It allows users to send text messages, voice messages, video clips, and photos, as well as make voice and video calls—all over the internet. It also offers features like group chats, communities, and disappearing messages. While Viber can be a useful tool for everyday communication, it includes features that require special caution when used by children and teens.

What parents should watch out for:

Direct messages and group chats

Children can be contacted by strangers if their phone number is available. Groups and communities often include people outside the child’s contact list, increasing the likelihood of exposure to inappropriate content.

Viber Communities

Communities allow for a large number of members, often including anonymous users. Admins can post content, and members can react and comment—opening the door to manipulation, misinformation, or offensive messages.

Disappearing messages and hidden chats

Viber allows messages to be set to disappear after a certain time and includes hidden chats that can be accessed with a PIN. These features make it harder for parents to detect potentially dangerous communication.

Lack of parental controls

Viber does not offer specific parental control features. All safety measures rely on agreements with the child and open communication.

Advice for parents

Talk about privacy and responsibility

Explain to your child that not every message or group is harmless. Teach them never to share personal data, location, photos, or school information with strangers.

Turn off features that allow unwanted contact In the app settings:

• Disable number visibility in communities
• Limit who can add your child to a group
• Check who can see their profile picture and status

Set a PIN for hidden chats—together

If your child uses hidden chats, agree to share the PIN with you. If there’s no reason to hide a chat, perhaps the feature isn’t needed.

Make sure they understand: they don’t have to reply to everyone—especially if they don’t know them in real life.

Use devices in shared space

Open spaces reduce the risk of hidden communication and increase the chances your child will talk to you if something goes wrong.

Additional support and reporting

If you’re concerned about your child’s online safety:

• Helpline: 0800 200 880
• Report illegal content: www.netpatrola.rs
• Suspected online abuse: Contact the police immediately
• Remove explicit photos: www.ncii.csi.org.rs
• More resources: www.cnzd.rs
• Free psychological and legal support: kontakt@cnzd.rs

Useful links:

https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/25771800726557-Teens-Privacy-Guide