New feature aims to improve child safety online
Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp announced on Wednesday that it will introduce parent-managed accounts for pre-teens, allowing children under 13 to use limited messaging and calling features under parental supervision.
The company said the move comes amid growing global concern about the impact of social media and messaging platforms on children’s mental health and online safety.
Several governments are now examining stricter rules for young users. For example, Australia last year became the first nation to adopt a social media ban for teenagers due to rising worries about the psychological effects of online platforms.
WhatsApp said the new feature was developed after feedback from parents who requested a safer communication tool designed specifically for younger users.
“These accounts come with strict default settings, parental controls and options for parents to guide their pre-teens’ first messaging experiences,” the company said in a blog post.
Parents will control contacts and privacy settings
Under the proposed system, parents or guardians will create and manage the accounts, controlling who can contact the child and which group chats they can join.
In addition, parents will be able to review message requests from unknown contacts and adjust privacy settings to maintain a safer environment for younger users.
The company said the approach aims to introduce children to digital communication in a controlled way while giving families more oversight of online interactions.
Messaging platforms have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to security concerns and cases where users were tricked into revealing verification codes or PIN numbers. Such scams have allowed malicious actors to gain access to private accounts and group conversations.
By introducing parent-managed accounts, WhatsApp hopes to address these risks and respond to mounting pressure from regulators and families seeking stronger protections for children online.
