Kids on WhatsApp? New Parent-Control Feature Aims to Keep Them Safe

WhatsApp parent-managed account gives guardians control over how their children use the messaging platform. The feature is now available for both Android and iPhone users. It is aimed to make WhatsApp safer for pre-teens.

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New safety feature on WhatsApp

WhatsApp, the instant messaging app used by crores of people globally, is rolling out a new feature to boost online safety for children. The company has announced special "Parent-Managed Accounts" for kids under 13. This feature lets children use WhatsApp safely under their parents' supervision. WhatsApp will release this new feature to users in phases over the coming months.

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Child Safety

Meta's WhatsApp team developed this feature after consulting with families and cybersecurity experts. The main goal is to create a safe digital space for young kids who use messaging apps. A parent or guardian has to create the child's account and link it to their own WhatsApp account. This way, parents can easily keep an eye on who their kids are talking to and what they are doing on the app.

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Parent Managed Account

These Parent-Managed Accounts come with certain restrictions. Kids can only communicate through personal messages and voice calls. Parents get to decide which groups their children can join. Also, features like Status updates, Channels, and Meta AI won't be available on these accounts. Any message from an unknown number goes straight to a 'Message Request' folder, which needs the parent's PIN to open.

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Parental supervision

Parents will get an instant notification if their child adds a new contact or blocks someone. This gives them a clear picture of their child's online activities. But don't worry, the security is still top-notch. Just like regular accounts, these accounts also have End-to-End Encryption. WhatsApp confirms this will keep all conversations private and secure.