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WhatsApp rolls out parent-managed accounts for kids

WhatsApp is rolling out parent-managed accounts for children. The new feature is for pre-teens who are not yet old enough to have a regular WhatsApp account. It gives parents more control over how their kids use the app.

To set up, parents verify the child’s phone number, enter their birthday, and link the account using a QR code.

Once active, the account is limited to messaging and calls. Parents can choose who their child can talk to, approve group invites, and review message requests from unknown contacts.

Privacy settings are also handled by parents. A six-digit PIN protects the account, making sure only parents can change the controls. WhatsApp says the rollout will be gradual, so it may take time before everyone gets access.

Also Read: PH bill wants to ban social media for users under 16

This update is part of WhatsApp’s effort to make the app safer for younger users while still letting families stay connected. It also puts the service in line with other platforms that already offer child-focused account options.

Will parent-managed accounts make WhatsApp safer for kids? Stay tuned.

Bryan Rilloraza has been a fixture in the local tech scene for over a decade, sharing his perspective as a tech enthusiast and industry veteran. Backed by an MBA from De La Salle University, a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the Philippines, and 20 years of corporate experience in the telecommunications and banking sectors, Bryan provides a practical, real-world analysis of how technology serves the consumer.

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