WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that could help parents manage how minors use the app. The feature is aimed at users under the age of 18 and is designed to improve safety without invading privacy.
According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the platform is developing “secondary accounts” for teenagers and minors. These accounts can be linked to a parent or guardian’s main WhatsApp account using a special connection link.
Once linked, parents will be able to control certain privacy settings of the child’s account. However, they will not be able to read messages, see chat lists, or check call details. This means private conversations will remain protected.
The secondary accounts are expected to come with limited features by default. Minors will only be able to send messages and make calls to saved contacts. They will also receive messages and calls only from contacts saved on their device. This can help reduce contact with unknown people.
Parents may also be able to manage who can see the minor’s profile photo, last seen status, About information, and read receipts. Another safety feature could limit who can add the minor to group chats. By default, only saved contacts may be allowed to add them to groups.
In addition, the parent account is said to receive regular activity updates about the child’s account. While it is not yet clear what information these updates will include, they are expected to give parents a general idea of app usage without sharing private content.
The feature is still under development and may appear differently across regions in the Android beta version. If launched, it could help WhatsApp offer a safer experience for young users while respecting their personal privacy.
