WhatsApp Introduces Child Accounts for Under 13, Parents Have Full Control

WhatsApp launches a special account for teenagers that parents monitor (photo: dok. whatsapp)

JAKARTA - Meta Platforms' messaging app, WhatsApp, announced a new feature that allows parents to create a special account for pre-teen children under the age of 13. This step is taken amid growing global concerns about the impact of social media and chat apps on children.

In an announcement released Wednesday, March 11, WhatsApp stated that the account will have limited functions. For example, only to send messages and make calls. This system is designed so that parents have full control over their child's communication activities.

This policy comes as more countries consider strict regulations on the use of social media by children and adolescents. In 2025, Australia became the first country to implement a ban on the use of social media for teenagers, following concerns about its impact on mental health.

In addition, messaging apps are also under the spotlight after a number of hacking cases. In several incidents, users were tricked into providing security verification codes and PINs, which were then used by cybercriminals to take over personal accounts and chat groups.

WhatsApp said the idea of a parent-controlled account came after receiving feedback from parents who wanted a more secure messaging service for children.

"These accounts come with new strict default settings, parental controls, and options for parents to guide their pre-teen children's first messaging experience," WhatsApp wrote in an official blog post.

The company added that once an account is created, the main control is in the hands of parents or guardians. They can determine who is allowed to contact the child's account, as well as which groups they can follow.

In addition, parents can also review message requests from unknown contacts as well as manage various account privacy settings.

WhatsApp's move reflects a changing approach by the tech industry that is increasingly focused on protecting children in the digital space. Technology platforms are now facing pressure from governments, regulators, and the public to ensure their products do not exacerbate risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and manipulation by digital criminals.