WhatsApp adds parent-managed accounts for under 13s
WhatsApp has introduced a new way for younger users to be able to access its services in a safe way. With parent-managed accounts, under 13s are able to use WhatsApp, but parents or guardians have a great deal of control over what they do and who they are able to communicate with.
Importantly, the new parent-managed accounts do not include certain features. Meta AI, Channels, Status, and location sharing are all disabled for younger users.
End-to-end encryption remains in place, so no one – including WhatsApp – is able to access the message sent by an under 13. Parents are also not able to access chat logs, unless they view them directly on a child’s device. To limit who under 13s are able to communicate with, it is only possible to message people who are already in their lists of contacts. When it comes to groups, parents must add a child as it cannot be done by younger users on their own.
WhatsApp’s full announcement reads:
WhatsApp is the trusted way families communicate because it’s simple, private, and reliable. With input from families and experts, we’re rolling out new parent-managed accounts that allow parents or guardians to set up WhatsApp for pre-teens, with new controls to limit their WhatsApp experience to messaging and calling.
To begin, parents will need the phone they have bought for their family member and their own device, side by side to link their accounts. Once set up, these accounts are controlled by the parent or guardian who will be able to decide who can contact the account and which groups they can join. In addition, parents can review message requests from unknown contacts and manage the account’s privacy settings.
The new parental controls and settings are gated by a parent PIN on the managed device. Only parents can access and change privacy settings, ensuring they are empowered to tailor their family’s experience.
All personal conversations remain private and protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning no one—not even WhatsApp—can see or hear them. We’re providing more tools and insights for parents, particularly around groups, which you can learn more about here.
WhatsApp is already an important part of family life – whether updating extended family on big milestones, keeping up with after school plans or just letting loved ones know you’re home safe. As we gradually roll out parent-managed accounts over the coming months, we look forward to getting your feedback so we can continue building WhatsApp to provide the safest and most private way for families to connect.
While parents do not see the content of messages, the fact that they receive alerts when there is a new contact request and other key activity will be seen as important safety features.
