WhatsApp Update: WhatsApp has recently launched a new feature called ‘Parent-Managed Accounts’ for children under 13 years of age. The purpose of this feature is to make the app safe for children and to allow parents to see how their child is using WhatsApp.

Under this feature, children can still send messages and make calls, but some social features will remain closed. For example-

Channels and status updates will not be visible

AI tools will not be used

Disappearing messages feature will not work

This ensures that children primarily use the app to communicate.

Setup method:

Both parents and children need phones.

Parents install WhatsApp on their child’s phone and choose the parent-managed account option.

The child’s number is verified and age is confirmed.

The parent’s account is linked to the child’s account through QR code.

Parents create a six-digit PIN so they can manage their child’s privacy settings.

Controls available to parents:

Monitor your child’s contacts and conversations

Control who can send messages

Approving group invitations

View message requests from unknown users

Notification of activities by your child like adding a new contact, blocking or joining a group

WhatsApp has also clarified that the feature of end-to-end encryption will remain. This means that all messages will remain completely private and no one, not even the WhatsApp company, will be able to read them.