Meta"s WhatsApp is trying to unlock another section of the audience with its latest feature. It"s rolling out support for parent-managed accounts that let parents set up WhatsApp for pre-teens, generally considered kids aged 9 to 12.
In other words, WhatsApp now has a lower age limit for users of its instant messaging app. Previously, only users aged 13 years or older could register and use WhatsApp on their devices. However, parents and guardians will get controls to limit their pre-teen kids" WhatsApp experience.
They will be able to decide who can contact the kids using parent-managed accounts, which groups they can join, manage privacy settings, and review message requests from unknown contacts. Speaking of safety, WhatsApp is getting a new anti-spam feature that alerts users when someone sends a suspicious device-linking request.
WhatsApp will place all parental control settings behind a PIN on the managed device, so only parents can access and change them. It said that the default settings are such that kids can only talk to people who are in their contacts. Their parent will be alerted when they add someone as a contact, and any messages from unsaved contacts will be placed in a Requests folder for approval.
Kids with managed accounts can"t create groups themselves; they can only interact with groups their parents added them to. A parent will have to review and approve each new group invite by entering the PIN on the child"s device.
You can set up a parent-managed account on Android and iOS, provided you"re aged 18 or older and have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. While setting up WhatsApp on your child"s phone, tap "More options," then select "Create a parent-managed account" and follow the steps to enter their phone number and confirm their age.
While the debate over giving technology to small kids is ongoing, it can"t be ignored that it helps them stay connected with their parents. WhatsApp said it"s rolling out parent-managed accounts gradually, and it might take a few months to reach all regions.
Note: WhatsApp clarified to Neowin that you still need to be 13+ to use WhatsApp without parental consent, adding that parent-managed accounts are about "addressing needs of parents who told us they want to communicate with their pre-teens on WhatsApp." However, our commentary still stands that it"s a new audience, regardless of the limited scope of use.