WhatsApp is set to release a significant update aimed at alleviating concerns for parents. This forthcoming change will enable adults to implement specific controls on phones, preventing pre-teens from accessing certain features or joining group chats without permission.
Parents or guardians will have the ability to determine who can contact the account, ensuring that strangers cannot initiate messaging. Additionally, parents can monitor message requests from unknown contacts and manage the account’s privacy settings.
According to WhatsApp, the new parent-managed accounts are designed to provide a secure communication platform for families. These accounts, tailored for pre-teens, will offer controls to limit their usage to messaging and calling, based on feedback from families and experts.
To initiate the setup process, parents will need to link their family member’s phone with their own device. Once linked, the accounts will be under the control of the parent or guardian, granting exclusive access to privacy settings adjustments.
All personal conversations will remain confidential and secure with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that even WhatsApp cannot access or intercept them. The update will be rolled out gradually in the following months to enhance the safety and privacy of family connections.
WhatsApp looks forward to receiving feedback as they continue to introduce parent-managed accounts, aiming to create a secure and private environment for families to communicate effectively.