Under-13 users will soon have WhatsApp accounts under parent supervision

Meta has announced a new feature on WhatsApp that allows children under 13 to use the platform safely under full parental control. This feature lets kids have a functional WhatsApp account while a parent or guardian manages key settings and approvals.

The rollout will be gradual over the coming months for users with the latest version of WhatsApp on iPhone or Android. The child’s account is connected to the parent’s WhatsApp, giving parents notifications for message requests from unknown contacts and requiring approval before the child can view them. Privacy settings are controlled solely by the parent, secured with a PIN that the child cannot access. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption remains active, so messages remain private even with parental oversight.

Features Available to Children:

• Send and receive messages
• Make and receive calls
• Message only saved contacts by default

Restricted Features:

• Meta AI tools
• Channels
• Location sharing
• Status updates
• Disappearing messages in private chats
• Joining groups without parental approval

Any message or group invitation from an unknown contact goes directly to the parent for approval.

How to Set Up a Parent-Managed Account:

On the child’s device:

1. Download WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play
2. Select language and tap Agree and continue
3. Tap More options → Create a parent-managed account
4. Register and verify the child’s phone number
5. Enter birthday to confirm age
6. Link to parent’s account by tapping Continue

On the parent’s device:

1. Scan the QR code displayed on the child’s device
2. Tap Agree and continue
3. Verify that you are an adult
4. Create a six-digit parent PIN (keep private)
5. Confirm the PIN and tap Next, then Done

Once setup is complete, the child can add their name and profile photo. Only the parent PIN allows changes to privacy or account settings.

The feature is available for children under 13 (or the minimum age in their country) and requires a parent or guardian over 18 to set up the account.