WhatsApp Rolls Out Parent-Controlled Accounts for Kids Under 13
Meta's messaging app now lets parents manage accounts for children, with major features locked out by default.
WhatsApp just launched supervised accounts for kids under 13, giving parents the reins over their children's messaging experience.
The new parent-managed accounts come with significant restrictions. Kids won't get access to Meta AI, Channels, or Status — three features that have become core to the adult WhatsApp experience. Parents will oversee account setup and control what their children can and can't do on the platform.
It's a notable move from Meta, which has faced relentless scrutiny over child safety across its products. Rather than just slapping age gates on existing features, WhatsApp built a stripped-down version of the app specifically designed for younger users.
The rollout began Wednesday. No word yet on which markets get it first or whether additional parental controls are coming down the pipeline.