WhatsApp Introduced New Parental Control Features
Parents can now manage privacy settings and Meta AI usage for teen accounts using a secure PIN.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Parenting
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WhatsApp has rolled out new parental control tools that allow guardians to restrict privacy settings and Meta AI access for teen accounts. These features empower parents to set boundaries on group interactions and profile visibility via a parent-managed PIN.
Why it matters
As tech companies face increased pressure to provide age-appropriate services, these tools help families discuss and manage app usage. The update arrives as regulators move to tighten digital safety standards for younger users.
The minimum age to use WhatsApp in the United Kingdom remains 13 years old. These new controls allow parents to limit interactions and manage Meta AI, though they cannot access the contents of end-to-end encrypted messages or calls.
The players
A global messaging service providing end-to-end encrypted communication and now offering enhanced parental oversight tools.
Meta
The technology parent company responsible for WhatsApp and its integrated AI services that are now subject to new parental management.
United Kingdom Government
The regulatory authority currently establishing new age-assurance measures for social media platforms.
The details
Parents configure these security features by setting up a unique PIN to manage the account. Through this interface, they can restrict who sees a child's profile photo and status information, limit interactions with Channels, and oversee Meta AI usage. Because WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, these controls are focused on account privacy settings rather than monitoring message content or audio call activity.
Timeline
June 2026: The UK government announced plans to restrict social media access for those under 16.
March 2027: The anticipated start date for government-mandated social media age-restriction regulations.
The Home Front
Technology companies are increasingly aligning their account features with anticipated government-mandated age-assurance measures. This shift reflects a broader regulatory trend aimed at tightening digital safety requirements for households with children under 16.
Review your teen's privacy settings within the app to ensure they align with your family's safety standards. Use the new PIN-based controls to establish consistent boundaries on profile visibility and Meta AI access.
The takeaway
These tools allow you to set privacy boundaries, but they do not provide visibility into your child's private conversations. Use this update as a prompt to discuss online safety and app expectations with your teen.
Further reading
For more on managing digital safety, visit our Parenting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BBC.
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Do you trust that new parental control tools will effectively keep teens safe on social media?
