WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Linked Accounts for Pre-Teens
WhatsApp has launched a new feature aimed at enhancing safety for users under the age of 13. This initiative introduces parent-linked accounts, designed to allow parents oversight while their pre-teen children communicate using the platform.
Parent-Linked Accounts for Pre-Teens
On Wednesday, WhatsApp announced the rollout of parent-managed accounts specifically for users under 13 years old. This development follows feedback from parents seeking better control over their children’s online interactions. These accounts will limit access to messaging and calling functionalities, with no advertisements being presented.
Account Setup Process
To establish a pre-teen account, both the parent and child will need their devices to authenticate the setup. This process is facilitated via a QR code, ensuring parents are involved from the beginning. During setup, parents can enable alerts related to their child’s activity on WhatsApp.
- Alerts for adding, blocking, or reporting contacts
- Optional notifications for name or profile picture changes
- New chat requests and group activities
- Deleting contacts or chats
These notifications are safeguarded by a six-digit PIN, which parents can set and modify on their own devices.
Privacy and Security Measures
WhatsApp has ensured that pre-teen accounts will not have access to functions like Meta AI or Status updates. Additionally, these accounts cannot enable disappearing messages in one-on-one chats. Notably, all communications remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining user privacy.
When pre-teens receive messages or calls from unknown contacts, they will see a context card that provides information about these contacts, including shared groups and geographical location. Users can also silence calls from unknown numbers, and images from unfamiliar contacts are automatically blurred.
Managed Account Features
All chat requests for pre-teen accounts will be stored in a secure folder, accessible only with the parent PIN. Group invite links are similarly protected. Before parents can approve any group invitations, WhatsApp provides relevant group details, including member counts and admin information.
Future Developments
WhatsApp aims to transition pre-teen accounts to standard accounts as users mature. Notifications will be sent to inform parents when their child is eligible for such a change. In an effort to accommodate parents, the platform plans to introduce an option to delay this transition by up to 12 months.
The feature is currently being rolled out in selected regions and will expand to more areas in the subsequent months. This move aligns with ongoing efforts by Meta to enhance user safety for younger audiences across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
As regulators in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K. consider restrictions on social media for younger users, WhatsApp’s parent-linked accounts represent a significant step towards safer digital communication for minors.
