WhatsApp reveals parent-controlled accounts for under 13s amid safety concerns

Published 25 minutes ago • loading… • Updated 25 minutes ago On March 11, 2026, Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp announced parent-managed accounts for under-13s, restricting use to messaging and calling with parental consent. Responding to parent feedback, WhatsApp said the feature addresses parents and guardians wanting a tailored experience amid policy moves on underage social media access in countries including Denmark, Germany, Spain and the U.K. Parents will set up and link accounts using both devices and a QR code, and manage contacts, group approvals, and privacy with a six-digit PIN while chats remain end-to-end encrypted. The feature will be rolled out in select geographies over the coming months, and accounts stay linked until a child’s 13th birthday, after which parents have the option to delay unlinking by 12 months. Experts and regulators observing safety and security trends note that WhatsApp’s move could set a precedent given its more than 3 billion users, amid ongoing safety debates. Whatsapp Launches Child Accounts Managed and Controlled by Parents Madrid, (EFE).- WhatsApp announced the new accounts managed by the parents, which allow these and tutors to configure the messaging application for preteens with new controls to limit their experience to messages and calls. These
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