• New child accounts with strict messaging and calling limits

• Parents control privacy, groups, and messages from strangers

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has launched parent-managed accounts for children under 13, aiming to enhance safety amid growing concerns about social media and chat apps’ effects on minors.

These accounts allow kids to send messages and make calls only, with strict default settings and parental controls. Parents can decide who contacts their children, which groups they can join, review messages from unknown contacts, and manage privacy settings.

WhatsApp said the idea responds to parents’ requests for a messaging service suitable for under-13s, providing a safe first experience with online messaging.

The announcement comes as several countries look to follow Australia, which last year became the first to ban social media use for teens due to mental health concerns.

Messaging apps have also raised worries after hacking incidents, where users were tricked into revealing verification codes and passwords, giving attackers access to personal accounts and group chats.