WhatsApp has introduced a new "parent-managed accounts" feature designed for pre-teens, allowing guardians greater control over how children under 13 use the messaging platform. The new accounts, which began rolling out on March 11, 2026, aim to provide a safer online environment by restricting advanced features and giving parents oversight of contact settings.This move comes as technology companies face increasing pressure to enhance protections for minors online.[bleepingcomputer+5]
Enhanced Parental Controls
Parents or guardians can now set up a dedicated WhatsApp account for their pre-teen and link it to their own device.This setup requires both the parent's and the child's devices to be present during the registration process.The parent must verify the child's phone number and age, then scan a QR code to establish the link.[blog+6]
Once linked, the parent gains exclusive access to privacy settings, secured by a six-digit PIN.This PIN ensures that only the parent can modify who contacts the child and which groups the child can join.Parents will also receive notifications about important account activities.These alerts include when their child receives a message request from an unknown contact, adds a new contact, or when groups they are in add new members.[bleepingcomputer+12]
Limited Features for Younger Users
The parent-managed accounts are a stripped-down version of WhatsApp, specifically designed for younger children.These accounts are restricted primarily to messaging and calling, ensuring a simpler and safer communication experience.Pre-teens using these accounts will not have access to several advanced WhatsApp features.[gulfnews+8]
This includes Meta AI, Channels, Status updates, and location sharing.Features like view-once messages, disappearing messages in private chats, chat lock, app lock, and linked devices are also unavailable.By default, children can only exchange messages with contacts already saved in their phone.Any message requests from unknown contacts or invitations to new groups will be directed to a "Requests" folder for parent approval.[bleepingcomputer+12]
Maintaining Privacy and Future Transition
Despite the parental oversight, WhatsApp emphasizes that all personal conversations remain end-to-end encrypted.This means that no one, including parents or WhatsApp itself, can read the content of the child's messages or listen to their calls.The focus of parental control is on managing interactions and privacy settings, not on monitoring chat content.[bleepingcomputer+8]
The feature was developed with input from families and child safety experts, reflecting a growing need for guided digital experiences for young users.When a child reaches the age of 13, WhatsApp will notify them that they are eligible to transition to a standard, full-feature account.Parents, however, have the option to delay this upgrade by up to 12 months if they believe their child still requires supervision.This gradual approach helps families manage their children's introduction to digital communication in a structured way.[blog+6]
