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WhatsApp has now introduced a special version designed specifically for children and pre-teens. This move comes amidst growing concerns regarding children's safety on the internet. Through this new feature, WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, will allow children to use the messaging app—albeit with strict parental controls in place.

In this specialized "Kids Version," several features typically found in the standard WhatsApp application will be removed. The objective is to ensure that children can use the app safely and remain protected from the potential misuse associated with social media.

Nowadays, many countries are imposing restrictions on social media apps for children, as parents fear that children might misuse these online platforms. This is a particular concern with apps like WhatsApp, where one can connect with anyone simply by using a phone number.
Furthermore, online addiction has emerged as a major concern; consequently, there is a growing realization of the need to make apps safer and subject to greater control.

How to Set Up WhatsApp for Children Under 13?
Parental controls will be mandatory to use the WhatsApp Kids Version. The process for setting this up is described as being quite simple.

Follow these steps to complete the setup:
Keep both the parents' and the child's phones together.
Scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp interface running on the child's phone.
Once scanned, the two devices will be linked.
After the devices are linked, the primary control will rest with the parents. They will be able to monitor the activity on the child's account and adjust privacy settings as deemed necessary.

Parents will also be able to determine:
Who can chat with the child?
Which groups can the child join?
Enhanced Privacy for Children
Several features will be unavailable in the WhatsApp Kids Version to ensure that children's safety remains uncompromised. For instance, it will not include the following:
The 'Channels' feature
Status updates
The 'Disappearing Chats' option
The ability to send 'View Once' photos.

WhatsApp states that, except parents, all messages will remain secure through end-to-end encryption. However, this encryption system has faced certain legal challenges in the United States.

Additionally, children's accounts will feature an age-limit system. Once a child reaches the designated age, they will receive a notification informing them that they can convert their account into a standard WhatsApp profile, which will be free of parental controls.

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