Whatsapp ( The cow news digital ) The popular messaging platform WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new safety feature designed to improve online protection for children. The system, called “parent-managed accounts,” will allow parents to supervise and control several aspects of their children’s activity on the platform.
According to the company, the new feature is primarily designed for children under the age of 13. With this system, a child’s account will be linked to a parent or guardian’s account, enabling adults to monitor settings and manage certain functions directly. Parents will be able to decide who their child can chat with, which groups they can join, and what privacy options are available to them.
The updated accounts will also provide limited functionality for younger users. Children will be able to send messages and make calls, but other features commonly available on regular accounts will remain restricted. Advertisements will not appear on these accounts, and several advanced tools will be disabled to ensure a safer digital environment.
The parent-managed system is being developed by Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp. To create the account, both the parent’s phone and the child’s device will be required. During the setup process, the account will be verified through a QR code, ensuring that the parent or guardian has approved the registration.
Parents will also receive alerts about certain activities on their child’s account. For example, notifications will be sent if the child adds, blocks, or reports a contact. If a message arrives from an unknown number, it can be placed in a separate folder where parents can review it and decide whether to allow or block the sender.
Additional optional notifications can also be activated, including alerts if the child changes their profile photo or name, receives a new chat request, joins a group, or leaves one. All these controls will be secured with a six-digit parental PIN to prevent unauthorized changes.
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Several features will remain unavailable in these child accounts, including Meta AI, channels, and status updates. The disappearing messages feature in private chats will also be disabled to maintain greater transparency for parents monitoring their children’s activity.
WhatsApp also plans to enhance safety measures when children receive messages from unknown contacts. The app will provide additional information about the sender, including their country and whether they share a common group with the child. Profile images from unknown contacts will automatically appear blurred to reduce potential risks.
The company stated that when a child becomes older, they will be notified that they can convert the account into a regular one. However, parents may delay this transition for up to 12 additional months if they choose.
Initially, the feature will be rolled out in selected countries before gradually expanding to other regions in the coming months, as global discussions around child safety on social media continue to intensify.
