WhatsApp is introducing new optional parental controls for teenagers, giving parents more ways to manage privacy and certain account settings without allowing them to read their children’s private messages.
The new tools will let parents receive notifications when their teenager joins or leaves a group and adjust settings such as who can see the teen’s profile photo and who can add them to groups. Parents will also be able to manage how their teenager uses WhatsApp Channels.
WhatsApp said parents will not be able to access the messages their teenagers send or receive. Calls and messages will remain protected by the platform’s end-to-end encryption.
The controls can be set up using a PIN created by a parent. Teenagers will need the PIN if they want to turn off the parental controls. Parents can change or disable the settings at any time.
The new tools also include an option to manage access to Meta AI. Parents can choose the standard 13+ setting or select a stricter “Limited Content” option.
The controls are being introduced as governments and regulators increase pressure on technology companies to provide stronger protections for children and teenagers online. The UK government has announced plans to prevent social media platforms from offering services to under-16s, with the first restrictions expected to come into force in spring 2027. However, the government has said messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not intended to be included in that social-media ban.
WhatsApp’s approach keeps the focus on parental oversight while maintaining teenagers’ private conversations and calls.
