WhatsApp Introduces Parental Control Feature for Children Under 13

New Parent-Managed Account Model

• The messaging platform WhatsApp has introduced a new parental control feature. The company calls it a parent-managed account model. This feature is designed for children under the age of 13.
• The accounts require parents or guardians to create and manage their operations. The child’s account links directly to the parent’s account. This design enables parents to track their child’s application usage.

Limited Features for Child Accounts

Children can use the app mainly for messaging and voice calls. The accounts will block access to multiple platform features.

Restricted features include:

• Channels
• Status updates
• Location sharing

The organization established these limits because they help maintain basic communication methods while decreasing unnecessary contact.

Parental Control Over Contacts and Groups

Parents receive strong control over the child’s communication. They can manage who the child contacts and which groups the child joins.

Key control functions include:

• Approving new contacts
• Monitoring group participation
• Reviewing messages from unknown users

A parent must approve all messages from unknown contacts before their child can continue communication.

Security and Privacy Settings

• Access to parental control settings requires a special PIN. Only parents can change this PIN. This measure helps protect privacy settings from unauthorized changes.
• The system maintains message privacy protection despite the existence of parental controls. The messages continue to use end-to-end encryption system. The system prevents parents from accessing the real message content.

Availability of the Feature

The company is currently implementing the new parental control feature through a phased rollout process. Users will receive access gradually. The company expects the feature to reach all users within the next few days.