US EditionWhatsApp reveals parent-controlled accounts for under 13s amid safety concerns
WhatsApp's new parent-managed accounts restrict under-13 users to messaging and calls, with parental controls and end-to-end encryption, rolling out gradually worldwide.
- On March 11, 2026, Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp announced parent-managed accounts for under-13s, restricting use to messaging and calling with parental consent.
- Responding to parent feedback, WhatsApp said the feature addresses parents and guardians wanting a tailored experience amid policy moves on underage social media access in countries including Denmark, Germany, Spain and the U.K.
- Parents will set up and link accounts using both devices and a QR code, and manage contacts, group approvals, and privacy with a six-digit PIN while chats remain end-to-end encrypted.
- The feature will be rolled out in select geographies over the coming months, and accounts stay linked until a child's 13th birthday, after which parents have the option to delay unlinking by 12 months.
- Experts and regulators observing safety and security trends note that WhatsApp's move could set a precedent given its more than 3 billion users, amid ongoing safety debates.
91 Articles
91 Articles
WhatsApp opens new parental control feature: WhatsApp has launched a new parental control account for users under the age of 13.
WhatsApp launches new strict way to use chat app — with access to features controlled by parents
WhatsApp has launched a new type of account for its immensely popular chat app. Dubbed Parent-Managed Accounts, it lets you set up a supervised account for your child if they're under 13. You'll be able to decide who can message, ring, or video call your kid. You can even control which group chats they're allowed to join. Until now, WhatsApp was only available to those aged 13 or older, with younger users unable to download the app — which is ow…
WhatsApp introduces parental control for under-13 users: Here's how the new feature works
WhatsApp has just started rolling out a new feature to secure young users. The platform has come up with the new parent-managed accounts for kids under 13 for safety purposes. Basically, parents can now set up and control their child’s WhatsApp experience – they can keep an eye on contacts, group chats, and privacy settings. The idea is to let younger users stick to basic messaging and calls—nothing more. What can parents control on their child’…
WhatsApp prepares a new function designed for families: accounts managed by parents or guardians, a system that will allow minors to use the platform under supervision. As the company has explained, the goal is to offer a safer experience for preteens, limiting the use to messages and calls and giving adults tools to control the activity.Keep reading...
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