WhatsApp launches parent-managed accounts for pre-teens amid safety concerns

Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp said on ​Wednesday it would allow parents to create ‌accounts for pre-teens, restricted to ​messaging and calling, amid rising ⁠global concerns about the impact of social media and chat apps on children.

A ‌number of countries around the world are now seeking ‌to follow Australia, which last ‌year ⁠became the first country to adopt ⁠a social media ban for teenagers because of mental health worries.

Messaging apps have also ​triggered concerns ‌following hacking incidents where users were persuaded to divulge security verification and pin codes giving malicious actors access ‌to personal accounts and group chats.

WhatsApp ​said the idea of parent-managed accounts came after feedback from ⁠parents, who wanted a messaging service tailored for under-13s.

“These accounts come ‌with strict new default settings, parental controls and options for parents to guide their pre-teens’ (under 13s) first messaging experiences,” the messaging app said in a blog post.

“Once set ‌up, these accounts are controlled by the ​parent or guardian who will be able to decide who ⁠can contact the account and which groups ⁠they can join. In addition, parents can review message requests ‌from unknown contacts and manage the account’s privacy settings,” it said.