📱 WhatsApp’s New Feature for Children Under 13

Balasahana Suresh
Meta‑owned WhatsApp is introducing a parent‑managed accounts feature that will allow children under the age of 13 to use the app with strong parental supervision and privacy controls.

👨‍👩‍👧 What Are Parent‑Managed Accounts?

This new feature lets parents or guardians create and manage a whatsapp account specifically for their child under 13. These accounts are linked to the parent’s own whatsapp and include strict default privacy settings.

  • Parents must use their own device and the child’s device together during setup.
  • A parent PIN is used to control privacy settings and make changes.
  • Chats remain end‑to‑end encrypted, meaning nobody outside the chat—including parents—can read the messages.
🔒 Safety and Parental Controls

The focus of this update is on safety and controlled usage:

✅ parents can approve or block contacts who can message the child.
✅ They can decide which groups the child is allowed to join.
✅ Message requests from unknown contacts go through parental review.
✅ No ads or automated AI content are shown to these accounts.

📵 Limited Features for Kids

To reduce risks and exposure:

  • These accounts are restricted to basic messaging and calling only.
  • Features like Meta AI integration, Channels, Status updates, and disappearing messages are disabled.
This ensures children aren’t exposed to broader social or AI‑powered content.

📅 Rollout & Availability

The new parent‑managed account feature is rolling out gradually over the coming months on both Android and iOS devices, and users will need the latest version of WhatsApp to access it.

🧠 Why whatsapp Is Doing This

This move responds to growing concerns about child safety online and parental feedback asking for a way to let children use whatsapp in a controlled, age‑appropriate environment.

The existing minimum age for whatsapp use has been 13 in most regions, and this new feature provides a structured way for pre‑teens to be on the platform with parental oversight.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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