WhatsApp has added a new parent managed account option to improve internet safety for young users. The feature is made for kids younger than 13 and lets parents or guardians make and control a child’s account while keeping the child’s data safe with end to end security.
The business said that the new accounts were made with help from families and professionals. These changes are meant to give parents more power over how their kids use the texting app. These accounts will only let kids message and talk, so they will have a limited experience. This will make contact safer and easier.
As more families look for better ways for their kids to use the internet, this tool comes out. The app wants to help kids stay in touch with family and trusted friends while lowering the risks they might face by adding parenting controls.
How accounts used by parents work
With the parent managed account system, parents can handle many parts of their child’s texting experience. The parent or guardian controls the child’s choices and contacts after setting up the account.
Parents can decide who can read their child’s account and which groups the child can join. If someone you don’t know tries to send you a message, the parent can look it over before they talk to you.
Privacy control is another important part. Parents can directly change their child’s privacy settings and monitor requests from people not on their child’s contact list. These steps help make sure that kids only talk to people who are allowed to.
A protection system has been added to WhatsApp so that kids can’t change these choices on their own. A unique Parent PIN protects all family controls and privacy settings. Only the parent or guardian can enter this PIN.
Read more: WhatsApp introduces ‘Strict Account Settings’ security feature
How to set up the account step by step
Two phones are needed to set up a parent managed account: one for the child and one for the parent. They need to be put next to each other for the accounts to connect. The parent starts the process on the child’s phone by downloading or starting the app and choosing to make an account that is controlled by the parent. The child’s birthday is then checked, and their phone number is saved.
The child’s device will then make a QR code. When the adult scans this QR code with their own phone, both accounts are linked. After linking the accounts, the parent confirms that they are an adult and makes a 6 digit Parent PIN. This PIN will be used to get into the child’s account or change the protection settings.
The last step is for the child to enter the PIN on their gadget to finish setting it up. Once this is done, the parent has full power over the safety settings for the account.
Encryption keeps your privacy safe
The company says that talks will still be private even with the new parenting controls. No one else can read or hear your calls or messages because they are still encrypted from end to end.
The company also said that the new tools give parents more information about what their kids are doing in groups and how they want to communicate without compromising the privacy of their messages. This mix is meant to keep things safe while still keeping private talks safe.
Read also: WhatsApp Tries Out New Member Tags: What This Feature Really Does
Rolling out the new feature bit by bit
The tool that lets parents control their child’s account is being slowly rolled out, so it might not be available right away in all areas. But the company hasn’t given out a full list of all the countries where the feature will first show up.
More people should be able to use these tools as the spread grows. The business says that parent comments will help make the tool even better in the future.
The new version of WhatsApp is meant to make texting safer for younger users and give parents more control over how their kids use technology.
I am a versatile content writer from the MP region, covering politics, business, crime, current affairs, entertainment, video games, and sports with clear insights, engaging analysis, and timely, reader-focused updates.
