Many parents fear that messaging platforms like WhatsApp may expose their children to unwanted content or may lead to an online addiction. The Meta-owned platform has now launched dedicated parent-managed accounts for children under the age of 13 that can be managed and controlled via their parents.
According to WhatsApp, parent-managed accounts will not have access to features such as Channels, Status and Meta AI. Rather, children will only have access to DMs and groups. WhatsApp already provides parental controls for accounts used by teenage users.
Here is how you can set up such an account for your pre-teen.
WhatsApp parent-managed account setup process
To set up an account for your child, you need to have their device alongside your phone. You then need to scan a QR code displayed on the app on the child’s device from your WhatsApp account. This will link the two accounts, and the setup process is complete.
Once set up, the parent or guardian will be able to decide who can contact the pre-teen account and which groups they can join. Parents will also be able to review message requests from unknown contacts as well as manage the account’s privacy settings.
Privacy features in parent-managed WhatsApp accounts
The parent-managed accounts come with various restrictions and controls. All parental controls and settings are protected by a PIN, ensuring only guardians can modify privacy settings.
Apart from no access to Channels or Status, kids will also not be able to use disappearing chats, or send view once messages. Other restrictions include no chat locks and lack of location sharing.
WhatsApp also promises private messages via end-to-end encryption. Do note that the platform is facing a lawsuit where petitioners allege that Meta may be able to read messages. WhatsApp has denied such allegations.
What happens when your child gets older?
According to WhatsApp, when your child gets older, they will receive a notification that their account can be converted into a standard account. However, parents will get an option to delay this transition by 12 months.
WhatsApp states that the feature has started rolling out in select regions and will be released in other markets over the coming months.
