WhatsApp launches parent-managed accounts for pre-teens amid safety concerns

Meta ​Platforms-owned WhatsApp said on ​Wednesday it would allow parents to create ​accounts for pre-teens, restricted to messaging and calling, amid rising global concerns about the impact of social media and ‌chat ⁠apps on ⁠children.

A number of countries around the world are now seeking to follow Australia, which last year became the first country to adopt a social media ban for teenagers because of mental health worries.

Messaging ​apps have also triggered ⁠concerns following hacking ‌incidents where users were persuaded ​to divulge ​security verification and pin codes giving ⁠malicious actors access to personal accounts and group ​chats.


WhatsApp said the idea of ​parent-managed accounts came after feedback from parents, who wanted a messaging service tailored for under-13s.

"These accounts come with strict new default settings, parental controls and options for parents to ‌guide their pre-teens' (under 13s) first messaging experiences," the messaging app said in a blog ​post.

"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," it said.