WhatsApp could soon introduce a long-awaited feature aimed at helping parents keep minors safer online—without crossing the line into constant surveillance.
According to early reports, the Meta-owned messaging
platform is developing “secondary accounts” designed specifically for teenagers
and minors. These accounts would allow parents or guardians to link their own
WhatsApp account and manage certain privacy and safety settings, while still
respecting a young user’s personal space.
In simple terms, it’s about guidance, not spying.
What Are Secondary Accounts?
Secondary accounts are reportedly being built for underage
users who already rely heavily on WhatsApp—for school groups, tuition classes,
family chats, and staying connected with friends. Instead of banning or
restricting access altogether, WhatsApp appears to be focusing on creating a
safer, age-appropriate experience.
Each secondary account can be linked to a primary account,
typically belonging to a parent or guardian, using a dedicated connection link.
What Parents Can—and Can’t—See
Once linked, parents would gain access to a set of privacy-focused
controls, including:
Managing who can contact the minor
Limiting interactions with unknown users
Viewing basic activity updates
Crucially, WhatsApp is said to be drawing a clear boundary:
Parents won’t be able to read messages, listen to calls, or
see call logs.
This balance is likely aimed at addressing growing concerns
around teen safety online, while still preserving the trust and independence
young users need.
Why This Matters Now
With governments worldwide tightening regulations around
children’s online safety—and platforms like Meta facing increasing
scrutiny—WhatsApp’s move feels both timely and strategic. Teenagers already use
the app extensively, often without formal supervision. Rather than pushing them
away, WhatsApp seems to be acknowledging reality and adapting responsibly.
Still a Work in Progress
The feature is reportedly still under development, and
visibility may vary across regions and Android beta versions. Screenshots
shared by trusted tracker WABetaInfo suggest the controls are real, but no
official rollout timeline has been confirmed yet.
If launched, this could mark a significant shift in how
messaging apps approach teen safety—offering protection without invading
privacy.
—By Nirosha Gupta
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