WhatsApp is set to introduce a new update aimed at alleviating concerns for parents. This upcoming feature will enable adults to implement specific controls on devices, preventing pre-teens from accessing certain functions or participating in group chats without authorization.
Parents or guardians will have the ability to determine who can contact the account, thus preventing unfamiliar individuals from initiating conversations. Additionally, parents can monitor message requests from unknown contacts and manage the account’s privacy settings.
According to WhatsApp, the platform is a trusted means of family communication due to its simplicity, privacy, and reliability. The company stated that, in collaboration with families and experts, they are launching new parent-managed accounts designed for pre-teens, featuring controls that restrict their WhatsApp usage to messaging and calling only.
To set up this feature, parents will need both the phone they provided to their family member and their own device to link the accounts together. Once established, these accounts will be under the control of the parent or guardian, who will have exclusive access to privacy settings customization, ensuring a tailored experience for their family.
All personal conversations will remain secure and private with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that even WhatsApp cannot access or intercept them. The update will be gradually rolled out over the next few months, with WhatsApp encouraging feedback to enhance safety and privacy for family connections.