New safety feature allows younger users to access messaging platform with parental supervision
The messaging platform WhatsApp is developing a new feature designed to allow children under the age of 13 to use the service under the supervision of their parents.
The feature, known as parent-managed accounts, will enable younger users to access the app only after their accounts are created and controlled by a parent or guardian.
The move comes as technology companies face growing scrutiny from regulators, parents, and child-safety advocates over the potential risks of social media and smartphone use among minors.
WhatsApp says the update is intended to provide families with safer digital communication tools while addressing concerns about online safety for children.
Parent-Managed Accounts Aim to Improve Child Safety
According to the company, the new system will require parents or guardians to create and manage accounts for younger users.
Children’s accounts will be linked directly to a parent’s account, giving adults the ability to monitor and manage usage.
Under the proposed system, parents will have greater control over features such as:
- Account creation and verification
- Privacy settings and contacts
- Messaging permissions
- Safety and content restrictions
This structure is designed to ensure that children can communicate with friends and family while remaining protected from potential online threats.
Technology experts say the model reflects a broader trend among tech companies to introduce stronger parental oversight tools.
Growing Concerns About Youth and Social Media
The development of the new feature comes amid increasing global debate about how digital platforms affect young users.
Researchers have raised concerns that excessive smartphone and social media use among children may expose them to risks including cyberbullying, online exploitation, and harmful content.
Governments in several countries are also exploring regulations to strengthen protections for minors using digital platforms.
By introducing parental oversight tools, WhatsApp appears to be responding to these concerns while still allowing younger audiences to participate in digital communication.
Feature Developed After Feedback From Parents
WhatsApp said the idea for parent-managed accounts emerged from feedback provided by families.
Many parents reported that their children were already interested in using messaging apps to communicate with friends, classmates, and relatives.
Instead of completely banning access, parents requested tools that would allow them to supervise and guide their children’s online activity.
The company said the new feature reflects the reality that younger users are becoming an important part of digital communication ecosystems.
Providing controlled access, WhatsApp argues, may be safer than forcing children to use platforms without supervision.
How the System Will Work
Under the proposed model, parents will create and manage the child’s account directly through their own profile.
Key aspects of the feature are expected to include:
- Parental approval for account creation
- Account linking between parent and child profiles
- Monitoring options for safety controls
- Enhanced privacy protections for minors
While details of the final system have not yet been fully released, technology analysts believe the feature could include additional safeguards such as restricted messaging options and age-appropriate privacy settings.
Tech Industry Increasing Focus on Child Protection
The introduction of supervised accounts reflects a broader shift across the technology industry.
Major technology companies are increasingly investing in tools designed to protect younger users online.
For example, platforms have introduced parental dashboards, screen-time limits, and stricter privacy settings for child accounts.
Digital safety experts say these measures are becoming increasingly important as smartphones become more widely used among children.
As messaging apps continue to play a central role in everyday communication, ensuring that younger users can access these tools safely has become a priority for both companies and regulators.
Balancing Digital Access and Safety
Experts say the challenge for technology companies is finding a balance between digital access and child protection.
While messaging apps provide important communication tools for families and friends, they also require safeguards to protect young users.
Parent-managed accounts may provide a middle ground, allowing children to stay connected while ensuring adult supervision.
As the feature rolls out in the future, families and regulators will likely watch closely to see how effective the system proves in protecting younger users.
For now, WhatsApp’s move highlights the growing recognition across the technology industry that online safety for children must remain a priority.
