WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Managed Accounts for Pre-Teens

WhatsApp has recently launched a new feature that allows parents and guardians to manage accounts for pre-teens. This feature gives parents the ability to control who can contact their children and which groups they can join.

The parent-managed accounts are limited to messaging and calling functionalities. They do not include access to Meta AI, Channels, Status updates, or location sharing. Moreover, the messages sent and received by the child are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and security.

Setting up a parent-managed account requires both the parent’s and the child’s devices to be present. The parent needs to register and verify the child’s phone number, confirm the child’s age, and scan a QR code on the child’s device to link the two accounts.

Parents can set a 6-digit PIN to ensure that only they can access and modify message requests, privacy settings, and activity alerts from the managed device. This feature empowers parents to tailor their family’s experience on the platform.

According to WhatsApp, all personal conversations are private and protected with end-to-end encryption. This means that not even WhatsApp can access or view the messages exchanged between the child and others.

By default, managed accounts can only exchange messages with contacts already saved in the child’s list. Additionally, only parents have the authority to add the account to groups.

If an unknown contact tries to reach the child, a context card will appear showing whether the contact shares any groups with the child and their country of origin.

Parents will receive activity alerts whenever their children receive new chat requests, add new contacts, or when groups they are in add new members. This feature keeps parents informed about their children’s interactions on the platform.

Transition to Standard WhatsApp Profile

Children can transition their parent-managed account to a standard WhatsApp profile once they turn 13. At that point, they will have full access to all WhatsApp features without any parental controls.

Meta’s Initiatives for Teen Accounts

In addition to WhatsApp, Meta has introduced dedicated accounts for teens under 16 on Facebook and Messenger. This move aims to provide a safer online environment for younger users on social media platforms.

WhatsApp Anti-Scam Protections

WhatsApp has also rolled out new anti-scam protections that alert users when behavioral signals indicate a potentially fraudulent device-linking request. This feature enhances security and protects users from malicious activities on the platform.