WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, announced on Wednesday that it will now let parents create special accounts for their pre-teen children. These new accounts will only allow messaging and calling, a move that comes as more countries worry about how social media and chat apps affect kids.
Many countries are now looking to follow Australia’s lead. Last year, Australia became the first country to ban social media for teenagers due to concerns about mental health. The new WhatsApp feature directly addresses some of these broader worries.
Messaging apps have also faced scrutiny over security. There have been incidents where hackers tricked users into sharing security codes, which gave bad actors access to personal accounts and group chats. This new initiative by WhatsApp aims to offer a safer environment for younger users.
WhatsApp explained that the idea for parent-managed accounts came from feedback from parents. These parents wanted a messaging service specifically designed for children under 13. This shows the company is listening to its users’ needs and concerns.
The messaging app detailed the new features in a blog post. “These accounts come with strict new default settings, parental controls, and options for parents to guide their pre-teens’ (under 13s) first messaging experiences,” WhatsApp stated. This emphasis on safety and parental guidance is a key aspect of the new offering.
Once a parent sets up an account, they will have full control. The parent or guardian decides who can contact the child’s account and which groups they can join. This gives parents a powerful tool to manage their child’s online interactions.
Parents can also review message requests from people the child doesn’t know. Additionally, they can manage the account’s privacy settings, providing a comprehensive set of controls. This ensures that parents can tailor the experience to their child’s needs and their own comfort level.
This new feature from WhatsApp reflects a growing trend among tech companies to offer more kid-friendly options. It attempts to balance the desire for children to connect with friends and family with the critical need for safety and parental oversight in the digital world.
