WhatsApp to Allow Pre-Teens with Parent-Managed Accounts

WhatsApp is expanding its user base to include children under 13 through the introduction of parent-managed accounts, a move designed to provide a safer messaging experience for younger users. The feature, announced by Meta on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, addresses feedback from parents seeking a way to connect with their pre-teens on the platform with increased oversight and control. Engadget and TechCrunch both reported on the rollout.

How Parent-Managed Accounts Work

These accounts will be distinct from standard WhatsApp accounts, focusing solely on messaging and calling functionalities. Features like Channels, location sharing, and integration with Meta AI will not be available to pre-teen users. The Times of India details the setup process, which requires a parent or guardian to link their account to the child’s device using a QR code. This process verifies the parent’s identity through a selfie submission.

Parental Control Features

• Contact Management: Parents have the ability to restrict who can message their child, controlling the network of communication.
• Group Participation: Parents must approve group invitations before a child can join, preventing unwanted access to groups.
• Message Requests: Messages from unknown contacts are automatically filtered into a message requests folder, requiring parental review.
• Privacy Settings: Parents maintain control over the child’s privacy settings, secured by a six-digit PIN.
• Activity Alerts: Parents can configure alerts for various activities, including adding or blocking contacts, changing profile information, and joining or leaving groups. TechCrunch provides an illustration of the registration flow.

Privacy and Security

WhatsApp emphasizes that all conversations and calls on parent-managed accounts will continue to be conclude-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy. Children will receive a notification when receiving messages from contacts not saved in their address book. Meta confirmed that disappearing messages cannot be enabled for one-on-one chats on these accounts.

Rollout and Availability

The rollout of parent-managed accounts will occur gradually over the coming months, initially for both Android and iOS operating systems. WhatsApp does not specify a minimum age for using the accounts, but the feature is designed for children under 13. Detailed instructions for activating the novel accounts are available on the WhatsApp help pages. WKZO also reported on the launch.

Meta’s Broader Parental Control Efforts

This launch is part of a broader trend by Meta to enhance parental controls across its platforms. The company previously introduced teen accounts for Facebook and Messenger (ages 13-15) and required under-16 teen accounts on Instagram.