WhatsApp launches digital parenting classes for parents
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Messaging platform provider WhatsApp is working with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and several civil society organisations to launch digital parenting classes for parents, supporting efforts to guide and monitor teenagers in the digital space.
WhatsApp Vice-President of Business Operations and External Affairs Victoria Grand said in a company press statement received in Jakarta on Friday that the classes would introduce parental-control features on WhatsApp, designed to help parents guide and monitor teenagers as they explore the digital space.
“We want to ensure parents know these features exist and understand how to use them. That is why we are launching them alongside an education and training programme in collaboration with partners trusted by parents in Indonesia,” she said.
The digital parenting classes are scheduled to run from October to December 2026 in Jakarta, Padang and Cirebon, with the aim of reaching around 179,000 parents.
Meta, WhatsApp, ICT Watch, Keluarga Kita and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs have contributed to developing the classes’ learning materials, including modules, pocket guides, educational videos and interactive games.
The materials for parents cover interaction in digital spaces, digital content, addiction and mental health.
WhatsApp’s education programme includes training for trainers, followed by further guidance sessions led by Parent Champions, or parent advocates.
“Guidance and digital literacy need to be continually strengthened so children become not just technology users, but resilient and ethical digital citizens who can use technology to build a better future,” she said.
ICT Watch Executive Director Indriyatno Banyumurti said the learning modules focus on practical activities so parents can apply what they have learnt.
He also emphasised the importance of co-operation between regulators, platforms and families to protect children and teenagers in the digital space.
The parental controls include privacy settings, such as deciding who can add a teenager to a group, as well as activity notifications for groups and WhatsApp Channels followed by teenagers.
Other features include Channel settings, which allow parents to decide which Channels teenagers can follow and whether they can create their own; Status visibility settings; and restrictions on interactions with Meta AI.
The parental controls are optional and customisable. This allows parents to provide guidance according to their family’s needs, while teenagers retain space to safeguard their own security and privacy.