Parents can now control their child’s WhatsApp account

WhatsApp is about to introduce a brand new type of account that allows parents to manage who their kids are able to message and the way they use the app. This change could impact millions of families, especially in Spain where WhatsApp is the most popular messaging platform for teens to connect with their friends and classmates.

The new system is designed to link the a child’s WhatsApp account Adults can manage privacy settings and permissions to contact. This move coincides with an increase in pressure from governments throughout Europe on technology companies to better protect minors online.

The new system enables parents to link their children’s account with their own.

Children will no longer be able to create their own WhatsApp accounts. The account will instead be linked to the parent or guardian who can manage certain settings and permissions.

Parents will be able to control who is able to message their children, whether or not unknown users may send contact requests, as well as whether the child has access to group conversations. Settings will be protected with a PIN to prevent children from changing them without parental permission.

WhatsApp insists that its end to end encryption will remain the same despite these new tools. It means that the content of your messages will be protected from being read by anyone, including the company.

Why messaging platforms are now introducing child accounts

The new accounts form part of a larger effort by tech companies to address concerns over children’s safety on the internet. In Europe, politicians have discussed stricter protections of minors on the internet, including more robust age verification systems, and restrictions on how they interact with social networking platforms.

Many companies do not ban younger users, but instead create restricted versions to make the environment safer for children while allowing them to communicate with family and friends. Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, already has similar safety features for Instagram users.

What could the changes mean for families living in Spain?

WhatsApp is one of the most commonly used messaging platforms in Spain. School groups, families, and friends use it to communicate on a regular basis. Parents may find that the introduction of monitored accounts offers greater peace of mind, as it allows their children to use the app without worrying about unwanted contact. The rollout is expected to be gradual, which means that users in Spain will begin to see the option when future updates are released.

Parents may have questions about the new accounts

Can parents read their child’s messages?
No. WhatsApp messages are still protected by end-toend encryption. This means that the content of the message will not be visible for parents.

Can strangers use the new accounts to contact a child?
Parents will be allowed to limit who can contact their children and approve any new contacts.

When will this feature be available in Spain
Meta announced that it will roll out the app gradually around the world. This may change depending on any updates made to the application.

What is next?

Parent-managed accounts could signal a broader change in how messaging platforms work for younger users. Technology companies may face increased pressure in the next few years as governments continue to debate better digital protections.

On the website of Meta’s Safety Centre, you can find official information about Meta’s policies regarding safety for young users.