Apps & Consumer
WhatsApp launches parent-supervised accounts for pre-teens
WhatsApp has launched parent-supervised accounts for users under 13, restricting access to features like Meta AI and Channels to enhance safety for younger users.
On Wednesday, WhatsApp launched a new set of parent-supervised accounts specifically designed for users under the age of 13. The messaging application, owned by parent company Meta, is introducing this feature to provide parents with greater control over their children’s communications. The move addresses feedback from parents who have purchased mobile phones for their pre-teens and want a secure way to message them on the platform. Under this setup, the accounts will only have access to messaging and calling.
To maintain a restricted environment, these managed accounts will not have access to several standard features. Specifically, they exclude:
- Meta AI
- Channels
- Status
Additionally, pre-teens cannot turn on disappearing messages for one-on-one chats. All settings for these accounts are protected by a six-digit PIN that parents can set and change from their own devices. This PIN secures activities such as adding, blocking, or reporting contacts, as well as managing group invite links and chat requests. Pre-teens will also see a context card informing them about messages from unknown contacts, and they can silence calls from unknown numbers.
According to a Q&A page, the company stated: “We’ve heard from parents, who have bought mobile phones for their pre-teens, that they want to message them on WhatsApp. Parent-managed accounts are specifically designed to give additional control over settings and communications for this group.”
When these users reach the age limit to transition to a standard account, the company plans to introduce an option for parents to delay this transition by 12 months.
The rollout of these parent-supervised accounts is starting in select geographies, with plans to gradually expand over the coming months. While WhatsApp is not a traditional social network, more than 3 billion users worldwide rely on the messaging application to communicate, including children. The introduction of these controls comes as Meta faces broader scrutiny regarding “teen safety” on its platforms. This shift also coincides with regulatory efforts in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., which are moving to restrict social media access for younger users.
Why it matters
WhatsApp is introducing parent-managed accounts to provide additional control over settings and communications, aligning with global regulatory moves to restrict social media access for younger users.