Parents to Gain Greater Control Over Kids’ WhatsApp Accounts: New Safety Feature in the Works
Parents to Gain Greater Control Over Kids’ WhatsApp Accounts: New Safety Feature in the Works
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a major update aimed at strengthening children’s online safety, a move that could significantly change how young users interact on the platform. The upcoming feature, informally referred to as WhatsApp Kids, is designed to give parents more authority over their children’s accounts while still respecting user privacy. Once launched, it is expected to bring a new layer of parental supervision to one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps.
Under this new setup, a child’s WhatsApp account will be connected to a parent’s primary account as a secondary profile. This digital connection will allow parents to access and manage important privacy and safety settings related to their child’s account. The idea behind this system is to help parents protect their children from online threats while encouraging safer communication habits.
“Primary Controls” May Limit Chats to Known Contacts
According to reports, this feature could be introduced under the name “Primary Controls.” One of its most notable functions will be the restriction of messages and calls to saved contacts only on children’s accounts. At present, WhatsApp does not offer an option to block messages exclusively from unknown users, but such a control is seen as essential for younger users who may be more vulnerable to online risks.
Despite offering parents greater oversight, WhatsApp is taking care to ensure that children’s personal conversations remain private. Parents will not be able to read messages or listen to calls made from their child’s account. The platform’s end-to-end encryption will continue to protect all chats and calls. However, parents may receive general activity insights or usage summaries to better understand their child’s online behavior without intruding on private conversations.
The parental control feature is currently under development, with WhatsApp focusing on smooth integration with existing account settings. Special attention is being given to the user interface so that parents can easily set up and manage their child’s linked account without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Once the feature becomes available, parents will be able to apply settings based on their child’s age. This approach aims to create a more secure digital environment for children while also giving parents confidence that their child’s online interactions are being guided responsibly.
How the New “Digital Link” Will Function
After rollout, parents will be able to manage their child’s WhatsApp preferences directly from their own devices. Key controls are expected to include:
Privacy Controls: Parents can decide who is allowed to view their child’s profile photo, status updates, and last seen information.
Blocking Unknown Numbers: Settings will allow parents to restrict or block messages and calls coming from unsaved or unknown contacts.
Group Protection: Parents can prevent children from being added to unfamiliar groups without approval, helping reduce exposure to unwanted content.
Protected Conversations: While parents can adjust settings, they will not be able to access message content or call audio, ensuring encryption and privacy remain intact.
The feature is still in its development phase and may first be made available to beta testers. With India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act now in effect, this update is being viewed as especially relevant for Indian users, as it aligns with growing concerns around child safety and data protection.
