WhatsApp's New Feature Allows Parents to Monitor Children's Accounts

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows parents to monitor the activities of children aged 10-12 years on the messaging platform. Parents and guardians can configure the application so that children can only send messages and make calls under direct supervision.

This step was taken following input from families and experts regarding the need for a safe communication space for children.

“With input from families and experts, we are launching a new parent-managed account feature that allows parents or guardians to set up WhatsApp for children aged 10-12 years with new controls to limit their WhatsApp experience to messaging and calling,” WhatsApp stated in an official statement received by CNBC Indonesia on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

To activate the feature, parents must have two devices: the phone to be used by the child and the parent’s phone. Both accounts are then linked so that parents can manage the child’s WhatsApp account directly.

Once the account is created, parents have full control to determine who can contact the account and which groups the child can join. Additionally, parents can review message requests from unknown contacts and manage various privacy settings.

This monitoring is protected by a special parental PIN on the managed device. With this system, only parents or guardians can access and modify the child’s account privacy settings.

Although under parental supervision, all conversations remain protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that message and call contents cannot be accessed by anyone, including WhatsApp itself.

The company also stated that it will add more features and information for parents, particularly regarding children’s activity in group conversations.

“We are providing more features and insights for parents, particularly around groups,” WhatsApp said.

How to download WhatsApp on a child’s phone:

As a parent, you can download WhatsApp and set up a parent-managed account for your child. Here are the detailed steps:

• Download WhatsApp Messenger from Google Play Store or Apple App Store on the child’s device

• Select language, then tap Agree and continue

• Tap More options and select Create a parent-managed account

• Register and verify the child’s phone number

• Enter the child’s date of birth and confirm their age

• Tap Continue to link to the parent’s account

How to link the child’s account from the parent’s phone:

• Scan the QR code displayed on the child’s device with the phone’s camera, then tap the link that will take you to WhatsApp

• Tap Agree and continue

• Verify that you are an adult

• Create a 6-digit parental PIN

• This PIN is required to access and change the child’s privacy settings and must not be shared with the child

• Confirm the parental PIN > Continue

• Tap Done and complete the account setup on the child’s device

Complete the account setup on the child’s device:

• Enter the parental PIN

• Tap Continue

• Your child’s managed account is now ready. They will be able to enter their name and profile photo.

This is how parents can monitor their child’s activity on social media to ensure safety. We hope this information is helpful!