WhatsApp Introduces Supervised Accounts for Children
WhatsApp launched parent-managed accounts for pre-teens on March 11, 2026, marking the messaging platform's first dedicated feature for children under 13. The new accounts require parental approval for all contact additions and group memberships.
Parents must create and link these supervised accounts to their own WhatsApp profiles. TechCrunch reports the feature addresses growing demand for child-safe messaging options while maintaining WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.
Target Users and Parental Controls
The feature targets families with children under 13 who want supervised messaging access. Parents can approve or deny contact requests, remove existing contacts, and control which groups their children can join.
Children can't modify these restrictions independently. The accounts maintain the same encryption standards as regular WhatsApp accounts while giving parents visibility into their child's messaging activity.
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Rollout Timeline and Access
WhatsApp is deploying parent-managed accounts globally through a phased rollout starting today. Parents can set up supervised accounts through the main WhatsApp settings menu under a new "Family" section.
The company hasn't specified completion dates for the global rollout. Users should check for app updates and look for the family management options in their settings to access the new feature.
