WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature designed with children and parents in mind. Known as secondary accounts, this upcoming capability could change how families manage messaging for minors while maintaining strong privacy and security.
According to early reports from beta testing, the feature will allow parents to create and manage a linked WhatsApp account for their children. These accounts are expected to offer stronger safety controls while keeping personal conversations private.
What Are WhatsApp Secondary Accounts?
The idea behind secondary accounts is simple but impactful. Parents will be able to operate a second WhatsApp account that is digitally linked to their own primary account. This secondary account is intended for children and will come with built-in restrictions and limited capabilities.
Unlike regular WhatsApp accounts, these child-focused accounts are designed to reduce exposure to unwanted messages, unknown callers, and unsafe interactions. These concerns are common for parents when kids start using smartphones.
Why WhatsApp Is Building This Feature
At present, WhatsApp does not allow users to fully control whether they can receive messages and calls from everyone or from contacts only by default. While privacy settings exist, they can be confusing or easily overlooked, especially by younger users.
For minors, this creates a safety gap. Secondary accounts aim to close that gap by limiting communication to approved contacts and reducing the risk of spam, scams, or stranger contact.
With more children using messaging apps for school, friends, and family, WhatsApp appears to be responding to growing demand for age-appropriate communication tools.
How Parental Controls Will Work
The secondary account will be connected to the parent’s main WhatsApp account through a digital linking system. This connection will allow parents to review and adjust key privacy and safety settings that children may not fully understand.
Parents will also receive reports related to usage patterns and general account activity. The focus is on awareness and guidance rather than direct monitoring.
Can Parents Read Chats or Listen to Calls?
One of the most common concerns is whether parents will be able to read messages or listen to calls.
The answer is no.
Parents will not have access to chat content or calls. End-to-end encryption will continue to protect all conversations, even on secondary accounts. This ensures that messages remain private and secure.
Instead of direct access, parents will receive limited reports and insights, helping them stay informed without invading their child’s personal conversations.
Balancing Safety and Privacy
WhatsApp appears to be taking a balanced approach. Parents want to protect their children online, while children and teenagers also need privacy and independence.
Secondary accounts are designed to support supervision without spying, safety without constant monitoring, and trust between parents and children. By limiting functionality rather than visibility, WhatsApp aims to create a healthier digital environment.
What Features Will Be Limited?
Although WhatsApp has not shared full details yet, early beta information suggests that secondary accounts may include:
- Messages and calls restricted to saved contacts only
- Reduced exposure to unknown users
- Privacy settings managed by parents
- Lower risk of unsolicited interactions
These limitations are especially important for younger users who may not recognize online threats.
Still Under Development
The feature is currently under development and testing. WhatsApp is evaluating how parental tools integrate with existing account settings to ensure a smooth and intuitive experience.
The interface is also being refined so parents can easily set up and manage secondary accounts without technical complexity.
Why This Matters for Online Safety
Children are joining digital platforms at an increasingly young age. Messaging apps are often their first experience with online communication beyond family members.
By introducing secondary accounts, WhatsApp is taking a step toward improving child online safety, giving parents meaningful controls, and reducing exposure to digital risks.
This move could also encourage other messaging platforms to introduce similar safety-focused features.
When Will It Be Available?
WhatsApp has not announced an official release date. Since the feature is still being tested, it may take time before it becomes available worldwide.
However, its presence in development suggests that parental controls and child safety are becoming a long-term priority for the platform.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a WhatsApp experience for kids is not about creating a separate app. It is about making the existing platform safer and more responsible for younger users.
With secondary accounts, WhatsApp aims to give families peace of mind, better safety tools, and a respectful balance between privacy and protection.
If implemented effectively, this feature could significantly improve how children communicate online while helping parents feel more confident about their digital safety.
