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WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, has announced a significant shift in its service offerings by introducing managed accounts specifically designed for children under 13
This comes as countries intensify their scrutiny over social media platforms and their potential impact on the mental health and safety of younger users.
The new feature allows parents to create and oversee accounts for their pre-teen children, focusing exclusively on messaging and voice calls.
This move follows a surge in parental demand for a more controlled environment where children can communicate digitally without being exposed to the risks typical of unrestricted platforms.
Here's how you can set up this new safety feature for your child.
To establish an account, a parent must link their child's device to their own by having both smartphones side by side.
Once the connection is established, the parent gains comprehensive control over the child's digital circle. They can approve or block contacts, manage group memberships, and vet message requests from unknown individuals.
All privacy settings on the child's device are secured by a parental PIN, ensuring that only the guardian can modify the security parameters.
Despite the high level of supervision, Meta has assured users that privacy remains a cornerstone of the app
All personal interactions within these managed accounts are protected by end-to-end encryption — meaning that neither the parent nor WhatsApp can intercept or read the content of the messages and calls.
The launch of these safeguards coincides with a global movement towards stricter age-based Internet regulations
The government is also moving towards a more regulated digital landscape, with the Ministry of Communications recently discussing stricter age verification measures and the enforcement of an Online Safety Act.
This update from Meta is expected to be a vital tool for Malaysian parents who are increasingly worried about "grooming" and the exposure of minors to inappropriate content.
