WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for pre-teens

WhatsApp Unveils Parent-Managed Accounts to Enhance Pre-Teen Safety

WhatsApp is rolling out a significant new feature designed to provide parents with greater control over their pre-teen children's messaging experience. These new parent-managed accounts are now available globally and focus on limiting pre-teen usage to core functionalities like messaging and calling, offering a safer digital environment.

The setup process places parents firmly in charge. From the outset, guardians will determine who can contact their child and which group chats they can participate in. Beyond initial setup, parents can also review incoming message requests from unknown contacts and manage the overall privacy settings of the pre-teen's account. Crucially, all these controls are secured by a dedicated parent PIN on the managed account, ensuring that only authorized individuals can make changes.

How to Set Up Parent-Managed WhatsApp Accounts

As with many new feature rollouts, availability might vary by region and could take some time to reach all users. To get started with parent-managed accounts:

• Download the latest version of WhatsApp on your child's device.
• During the account setup process, select "More options" and then choose "Create a parent-managed account."
• Proceed to register and verify your child's phone number.
• Enter your child's birthday to confirm their age.
• Scan a QR code displayed on your child's phone using your own device. This action links their WhatsApp account to yours.
• Finally, create a secure six-digit parent PIN to manage the account effectively.

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