WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Managed Accounts for Children Under 13 With Strong Privacy Controls
WhatsApp has unveiled supervised accounts for children under 13, allowing parents to control contacts, group access and privacy settings while enabling safer messaging and calling for younger users.
13 March, 2026 | New Delhi : The messaging platform WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows children under the age of 13 to use the app through supervised accounts managed by their parents or guardians. The move is aimed at strengthening online safety for younger users while giving families more control over how children interact on digital platforms.
The new “parent-managed accounts” come with strict default privacy settings and limited functionality compared to regular accounts. Children using these accounts will mainly be able to access messaging and voice calling features, while several functions such as status updates, channels, disappearing messages and AI tools are disabled. Parents will be able to decide who can contact their child, which groups the child can join, and review message requests from unknown contacts. Suspicious messages will be placed in a special requests folder that can only be accessed using a parent-controlled PIN, ensuring an extra layer of safety.
To set up a supervised account, both the parent’s and the child’s phones need to be linked during the registration process. Once the accounts are connected, parents can monitor and manage privacy settings, approve contacts, and receive alerts if the child adds, blocks or reports someone.
The feature is part of broader efforts by Meta Platforms to respond to growing global concerns about children’s online safety and the impact of social media on young users. Experts and governments in several countries have been pushing technology companies to introduce stronger safeguards for minors.WhatsApp said the new system was developed after feedback from parents who wanted a safer way for children to communicate with family and friends online without exposing them to the risks of unrestricted messaging platforms.
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