WhatsApp is finally rolling out a long-requested update that gives parents more control over how their teenagers use the messaging app. The new “parental controls for teens” upgrade is being released from today, providing a range of tools to help manage a child’s privacy and interactions on WhatsApp.
New tools for parents
With the new controls enabled, parents can decide exactly who is allowed to see their teen’s profile photo and who can add them to groups. If the child wants those restrictions loosened, they’ll need their parent’s approval. All controls are protected by a parent-set PIN, helping prevent settings from being changed without permission.
Parents and guardians can also receive notifications when their teen joins or leaves a group, or when a group they are part of grows significantly in size. There are also new controls for WhatsApp Channels, including deciding how teens can use the service and whose Status updates they can view or who can see theirs.
Privacy remains protected
WhatsApp says this is not a tool for snooping on private conversations. It can’t be used to read messages or listen in on calls as these remain protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning nobody outside the conversation, including WhatsApp, can access their contents.
The company says the new tools are intended to give parents more reassurance without taking away their teenager’s privacy. “As teens grow up, so does the way they communicate. Parents have told us they want to be there to guide them without reading over their shoulder,” WhatsApp said.
The company added that this is only the beginning, with further controls planned based on feedback from families. The new parental controls are rolling out now, although WhatsApp says it could take several weeks before they reach everyone.
