Meta rolls out supervised WhatsApp accounts for younger users
Parents can monitor contacts and group activity through new WhatsApp account controls.
WhatsApp is introducing parent-managed accounts designed for pre-teen users, adding new controls intended to help families supervise messaging activity. The feature is being rolled out gradually in selected regions before expanding globally.
The new system requires a parent or guardian to verify the account during setup using both devices and a QR code. Parents can receive alerts about key actions, including when a contact is added, blocked or reported, and may enable additional notifications for profile changes, group activity and chat requests.
Accounts created under the new system provide limited functionality.
Pre-teen users can access messaging and voice calls, but cannot use features such as Channels, Status updates or the platform’s AI tools. Certain privacy settings, including disappearing messages in direct chats, are also restricted.
Despite the additional oversight features, conversations remain protected by end-to-end encryption.
According to Meta, the initiative responds to feedback from families who rely on the platform to communicate with younger children while seeking stronger safety safeguards.
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