WhatsApp, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform, is reportedly working on a new parental control feature aimed at protecting minors and teenagers under 18 years of age. According to popular feature tracker WABetaInfo, the company is developing secondary accounts that would allow parents or guardians to regulate privacy settings and monitor limited activity, without compromising the child’s personal conversations.
The feature is currently under development and may appear differently across regions in the latest WhatsApp Android beta versions. If implemented, it could mark a major step toward enhancing online safety for underage users while maintaining privacy boundaries.
WhatsApp Secondary Accounts: What Are They?
As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is designing secondary accounts specifically for minors and teenagers. These accounts are expected to have restricted default features, offering a safer digital environment for young users who rely on WhatsApp for school groups, coaching classes, and family communication.
Each secondary account can be linked to a primary account, which belongs to a parent or legal guardian, using a dedicated connection link. Once linked, parents will gain access to certain privacy and safety controls.
Parental Controls Available on WhatsApp
While parents will not be able to view chats or call logs, they may receive activity-related insights and manage privacy settings. According to the report, parents can:
- Control who can message or call the minor
- Restrict communication to saved contacts only
- Manage visibility of profile photo, About info, and last seen
- Enable or disable read receipts
- Control who can add the minor to groups
- Receive regular activity updates (exact data not yet specified)
Importantly, parents will not be able to read messages, see chat lists, or access call histories, ensuring a balance between supervision and privacy.
Default Safety Restrictions for Minors
The report suggests that by default, secondary accounts will be configured with strong safety measures:
- Messages and calls allowed only from saved contacts
- Group additions restricted to saved contacts only
- Limited exposure to unknown users and strangers
- Reduced chances of spam or unwanted interactions
These settings aim to minimise risks such as online harassment, unsolicited messages, and exposure to strangers.
Why WhatsApp Is Introducing This Feature
With WhatsApp’s massive global user base, underage users increasingly depend on the platform for academic, social, and family communication. The new feature appears to be WhatsApp’s attempt to:
- Enhance child safety and digital well-being
- Support parents in managing screen time and exposure
- Comply with global child protection and online safety norms
- Retain user privacy while offering oversight tools
Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Feature Name | Secondary Accounts (Under Development) |
| Target Users | Minors and Teenagers (Under 18) |
| Linked Account | Parent/Guardian Primary Account |
| Parental Access | Privacy controls & activity updates |
| Restricted Access | No access to chats, messages, or call logs |
| Default Settings | Saved contacts only, limited group access |
| Source | WABetaInfo |
| Availability | Android Beta (Region-dependent, not official yet) |
Privacy Balance for Teen Users
If implemented as described, WhatsApp’s parental controls could strike a rare balance—allowing parents to ensure safety without violating personal communication. This approach aligns with global concerns around teen privacy, digital autonomy, and mental well-being.
What’s Still Unclear
- What exactly counts as “activity updates”
- Whether parents can view screen time or usage duration
- Timeline for public rollout
- Availability on iOS devices
WhatsApp has not officially confirmed the feature yet, and details may change before release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Is WhatsApp introducing parental controls for minors? |
| WhatsApp is reportedly developing parental controls through secondary accounts, according to WABetaInfo. |
| What are secondary accounts on WhatsApp? |
| They are limited-feature accounts designed for minors and linked to a parent’s primary account. |
| Can parents read their child’s messages? |
| No, parents will not be able to see messages, chat lists, or call logs. |
| What controls will parents have? |
| Parents can manage privacy settings, contacts, group access, and receive activity updates. |
| Who can contact minors on secondary accounts? |
| By default, only saved contacts can message or call the minor. |
| Is the feature officially launched? |
| No, it is currently under development and being tested in beta versions. |
| Which platform is testing this feature first? |
| The feature has been spotted in WhatsApp’s Android beta versions. |
| Will this affect adult WhatsApp users? |
| No, the feature is intended only for users under 18 years of age. |
WhatsApp’s reported development of secondary accounts with parental controls could significantly improve online safety for minors without compromising their privacy. By allowing parents limited oversight while keeping chats private, the platform may set a new standard for responsible messaging apps. Users should wait for an official announcement from WhatsApp or Meta for confirmed rollout details. For the latest updates, visit whatsapp.com and bookmark this page for future information.
