In summary:
- WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts allowing parents to create and control messaging accounts for pre-teen children with enhanced safety features.
- Tech Advisor reports that parents can manage who contacts their child, review message requests from unknown numbers, and control group participation through PIN-protected privacy settings.
- The feature requires linking accounts via QR code during setup and is currently rolling out globally to address child safety concerns on messaging platforms.
WhatsApp has announced that it’s rolling out the ability to set up parent-managed accounts as a means to ensure safer messaging for children.
Parents can now set up a fresh WhatsApp account for pre-teen kids and link it to their own. They will then be able to decide who can contact their child’s account and which groups they can join.
Once linked, parents will have exclusive access to privacy controls for their kids’ accounts, protected by a six-digit PIN number. You’ll even be able to review message requests when an unknown number gets in contact.
Parent-managed WhatsApp accounts should be available as an option with a fresh account set-up – just hit More options and select Create a parent-managed account.
After following the step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to link your own WhatsApp account by scanning a QR code on your child’s device with your own phone.
These Parent-managed accounts should be rolling out worldwide right now, so keep an eye on your chosen app store for news of an update.
WhatsApp has been fairly prolific with its updates of late. Just a few weeks ago, it rolled out a long-awaited feature allowing its users to share up to 100 recent messages with new group members, bringing them up to speed in a flash.
Just prior to that, the messaging service’s web app started showing signs of support for video and voice calls, potentially making it easier to connect to your contacts when using an unfamiliar PC or laptop.
It’s a good job this ubiquitous service is continuing to improve at such a rate. The Meta-owned company will soon be offering a choice between seeing ads or paying to continue the ad-free experience through a subscription model, which is unlikely to go down well.
Author: Jon Mundy, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.