WhatsApp introduces parent-controlled accounts for children under 13

Sunday 15 March 2026 - 15:40

In response to growing concerns about children’s exposure to social media, WhatsApp is now opening its messaging platform to users under 13 through accounts managed by parents or guardians. The move aims to provide a safer environment for preteens, allowing limited interaction while giving adults full control over key settings.

The newly launched “parent-managed” accounts enable children to send messages and make calls, but parents retain authority over contact permissions, group participation, and incoming message requests from unknown users. Privacy settings are preconfigured with stricter restrictions, and parents can review conversations and adjust security measures through a dedicated interface.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, said this initiative responds to the increasing demand from parents for age-appropriate messaging experiences. The platform also rolled out a secondary password feature to enhance account protection alongside the existing six-digit verification code, offering an extra layer of security against potential hacking attempts.

The announcement comes amid global moves to regulate minors’ access to social networks. Australia has prohibited social media access for adolescents due to mental health concerns, while France is preparing restrictions for users under 15. The United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany are also exploring stricter measures. In Africa, regulatory discussions on this topic remain limited.

Messaging apps continue to face security threats, with phishing campaigns and account hacks putting users’ private conversations at risk. For younger users, these risks are even more pressing, making parental supervision a critical factor in online safety.

Whether these supervised accounts will fully reassure parents remains to be seen, as social media platforms balance innovation, user engagement, and security responsibilities in an ever-evolving digital landscape.