Tech Desk 
Mar 12, 2026
With input from families and experts, WhatsApp on Thursday launched new parent-managed accounts that allow parents or guardians to set up the instant messaging platform for pre-teens, with new controls to limit their experience.
Meta-owned instant messaging platform said that WhatsApp is the trusted way, which most of the families use for communicating because it's simple, end-to-end encrypted, and reliable.
How to use parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp?
- To begin, parents will need the phone they have bought for the family member and their own device, side by side to link their accounts.
- Once set up, these accounts are controlled by the parent or guardian who will be able to decide who can contact the account and which groups they can join.
- In addition, parents can review message requests from unknown contacts and manage the account’s privacy settings.
As per WhatsApp, the new parental controls and settings are gated by a parent PIN on the managed device. Only parents can access and change privacy settings, ensuring they are empowered to tailor their family’s experience.
Your conversation will remain private and protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning no one, not even WhatsApp, can see or hear them. WhatsApp is providing more tools and insights for parents, particularly around groups, which users can learn more about here.
WhatsApp is already an important part of family life - whether updating extended family on big milestones, keeping up with after school plans or just letting loved ones know one is home safe.
