WhatsApp launches parent-managed accounts for pre-teens amid safety concerns

BRUSSELS, March 11 (Reuters) - ‌Meta Platforms-owned ​WhatsApp ​said on Wednesday it would allow parents to create accounts for pre-teens, restricted ‌to messaging and calling, amid rising global concerns ⁠about the impact of social media and chat apps ‌on children.

A number of ‌countries around the world are now seeking to follow Australia, which last year became the first ​country to adopt a social media ban for teenagers because of mental health worries.

Messaging ⁠apps have also triggered concerns following hacking incidents where users were persuaded ​to divulge security verification and pin codes giving malicious actors access to personal ​accounts and group chats.

WhatsApp said ‌the idea of parent-managed accounts came after feedback from parents, who wanted a ⁠messaging service tailored for under-13s.

"These accounts come with strict new default settings, parental controls and options for ⁠parents to guide their pre-teens' (under 13s) first messaging experiences," the ​messaging app said in a blog post.

"Once set up, these accounts are controlled by the parent or guardian who ‌will be able to decide who can contact the account and which groups ‌they can join. In addition, parents can review ⁠message requests from ‌unknown contacts and ​manage the account's privacy settings," it said.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Pooja ‌Desai)

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