WhatsApp Adds New Parental Controls for Teenagers
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WhatsApp has introduced new parental controls designed to give parents more oversight of their teenagers' accounts. The feature is optional, meaning families can decide whether to use it.
The update allows parents to set up a parent-managed account linked to their teen's WhatsApp profile. Through this link, parents can view and adjust certain settings related to their child's app use.
According to WhatsApp, the controls are meant to help parents monitor who can contact their teenager and manage privacy-related options. This gives families more say over how teens interact online.
The move comes as tech companies face growing pressure to improve online safety for younger users. Many platforms have introduced similar tools in recent years, responding to concerns from parents and regulators.
WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, is widely used for messaging, voice calls, and sharing media. The app has billions of users worldwide, including many teenagers.
By making the feature optional, WhatsApp allows families to choose the level of supervision that suits them. Parents who want more involvement can activate the controls, while others can leave settings as they are.
The company has not given exact details on every setting included, but says the aim is to strike a balance between teen independence and parental oversight. This reflects a broader trend among social platforms trying to make their services safer for young users.
Vocabulary10 words
- parental controls
- settings that let parents manage what children do online
- parent-managed account
- an account a parent can help control
- online safety
- being protected from danger on the internet
- platforms
- apps or websites where people share content
- messaging
- sending written messages electronically
- billions
- a very large number, like one thousand million
- supervision
- watching over someone to keep them safe
- independence
- the ability to do things without help
- oversight
- careful watching and checking
- regulators
- people or groups who make sure rules are followed
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Quiz
Answer key
1. To let parents manage their teens' accounts 2. No, it is optional 3. To respond to concerns about online safety for young users
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
WhatsApp has introduced new _____ designed to give parents more oversight.
The feature is _____, meaning families can decide whether to use it.
The update allows parents to set up a _____ linked to their teen's profile.
Parents can view and adjust certain _____ related to their child's app use.
The controls help parents monitor who can _____ their teenager.
The move comes as tech companies face pressure to improve _____ for younger users.
Many _____ have introduced similar tools in recent years.
WhatsApp is owned by _____.
The app has billions of _____ worldwide.
The aim is to strike a balance between teen independence and parental _____.
Discussion questions
- Do you think parents should be able to control their teenagers' social media accounts? Why or why not?
- What are the benefits and risks of parental controls on apps like WhatsApp?
- How can teenagers and parents find a balance between safety and privacy online?
- Do you think other messaging apps should add similar features? Why?
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