WhatsApp To Introduce Parent-Managed Accounts For Users Under 13

New feature will allow parents to supervise contacts and privacy settings while restricting several advanced features for young users.

Messaging platform WhatsApp has announced the rollout of parent-managed accounts for children under the age of 13, giving families new tools to supervise how younger users communicate on the app.

The feature, announced on March 11, is designed to allow pre-teen users to access only basic communication features such as text messaging and voice calls, while parents retain control over contacts, privacy settings and certain app activities.

According to the company, all conversations will still remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that message content cannot be accessed by WhatsApp or its parent company Meta.

Restricted Features For Young Users

Under the new system, parent-managed accounts will not have access to several optional WhatsApp features available to regular users. These include Meta AI tools, Channels and Status updates.

Children using these accounts will also not be able to enable disappearing messages, and the company said that information from such accounts will not be used for advertising purposes.

The goal, WhatsApp said, is to provide a safer digital environment while still allowing children to stay connected with family and trusted contacts.

How Parents Can Set Up The Account

To create a parent-managed account, parents will need to link their device with their child’s device using a QR code during the setup process.

Once connected, parents can:

• Approve or block contacts
• Decide which groups the child can join
• Review requests from unknown contacts
• Manage privacy settings

Access to these controls will be protected through a parent PIN, ensuring only the parent can modify the supervision settings.

Parents will also receive notifications whenever the child adds, blocks or reports a contact.

Monitoring Unknown Messages And Groups

Messages from unknown contacts will automatically be moved to a message request folder, which can only be accessed after entering the parent PIN.

Similarly, group invitations will be sent as invite links that only the parent can approve. WhatsApp will also show details about group members and administrators to help parents make informed decisions.

Parents will receive alerts if the child joins or leaves groups, changes profile information, deletes chats or contacts, or if disappearing messages are activated in a group.

Transition To Regular Accounts

As children grow older, WhatsApp will notify both the parent and the user when the account becomes eligible to convert into a standard WhatsApp account.

Parents will also have the option to delay this transition by up to 12 months if they believe supervision is still necessary.

Growing Pressure On Platforms

The move comes amid increasing global pressure on technology companies to improve online safety for younger users. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Denmark, are exploring stricter regulations for children’s access to digital platforms.

WhatsApp said the supervised accounts are meant to strike a balance between keeping children connected with family members and giving parents greater oversight over how the platform is used.