WhatsApp has introduced parent-managed accounts for pre-teens, giving parents greater control over how younger users interact on the messaging platform.
The new feature, now rolling out globally, is designed to limit children’s experience primarily to messaging and calling while allowing parents to manage key account settings.
With the new parent-managed accounts, parents are responsible for setting up and managing their child’s WhatsApp profile.
The system allows parents to control several aspects of the account, including:
-
Who can contact the child
-
Which groups the child can join
-
Privacy settings of the account
Parents can also review message requests from unknown contacts before allowing communication.
Parent PIN required for access
All parental controls are secured through a six-digit parent PIN, ensuring that only the parent can manage the account settings.
This PIN is required to access and modify key controls, adding an extra layer of security to the managed account.
WhatsApp said the feature is currently rolling out worldwide, meaning it may take some time before it becomes available to all users.
As with most platform updates, the rollout will gradually reach devices across different regions.
How to set up parent-managed account
Parents can enable the feature by downloading WhatsApp on their child’s device and selecting the “Create a parent-managed account” option during setup.
The setup process includes several steps:
-
Install and open WhatsApp on the child’s device.
-
Select More options during account creation.
-
Choose Create a parent-managed account.
-
Register and verify the child’s phone number.
-
Enter the child’s birthday and confirm their age.
After this, parents will scan a QR code displayed on the child’s phone to link the child’s account with their own WhatsApp account.
Finally, they will create a six-digit parent PIN to manage the account’s controls.
