New Safety Feature: WhatsApp Launches Parent-Controlled Accounts for Pre-Teens

The parent-managed account will not allow the user to use certain features, such as status updates, channels, or Meta AI, and will not enable the user to use disappearing messages in one-on-one conversations.

Unknown contacts are filtered into a message requests folder, which can only be accessed using a parent PIN. Parents are also notified when their child adds, blocks, or reports a contact, keeping them informed of their child's activity on the platform.

Despite these restrictions, WhatsApp says accounts will offer the same end-to-end encryption protection used across the platform, ensuring that conversations remain private.

WhatsApp says that parents who want to introduce their child to the messaging app can create a parent-managed account during the registration process. During sign-up, they will see the option to set up a parent-managed account by entering the pre-teen's date of birth. The setup process will require both the parent and child's phones to link the accounts.

Parents will also need to confirm they are an adult, which may include verifying their identity via a selfie during the setup process. Once setup is complete, the parent or guardian can manage their child's account through the available parental controls and privacy settings.

WhatsApp stated that this feature will roll out globally in the coming months, although initial availability may vary by region.