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WhatsApp has launched a “parent-managed account” feature, enabling children under the age of 13 to create their own accounts. Experts note that while this may enhance safety, risks related to scams, cyberbullying, and children’s mental health still persist.
Whatsapp New Feature (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: WhatsApp has introduced a new "parent-managed account" feature, enabling children under the age of 13 to create their own accounts. Under this feature, a child's account will be linked to a parent's device, allowing parents to monitor their chats and activities, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
While discussions are currently underway in several countries regarding potential bans on social media access for children under 16, this move by WhatsApp is sparking a new debate.
According to IT expert Prabir Jana, while parental controls certainly mitigate risks for children to some extent, the danger is not entirely eliminated due to the rapidly evolving nature of technology and features such as encrypted chats and disappearing messages.
He emphasized that educating children about online threats is just as crucial as implementing technical controls.
Nowadays, many messaging platforms—including WhatsApp—utilize end-to-end encryption. This means that the content of chats cannot be easily viewed or tracked.
Consequently, it becomes difficult to determine who a child is communicating with. For this very reason, children may fall victim to online scams and fraud, as they often place their trust in strangers quite easily.
According to cyber experts, scammers frequently create fake profiles to attempt to befriend children. Initially, they offer compliments in public groups and subsequently initiate private conversations via direct messages.
After gradually gaining the child's trust, they request photos or videos or use lures to trick them into sharing OTPs and other personal information.
According to Arpita Kohli, a psychologist at PSRI Hospital, using messaging apps at a young age can negatively impact a child's social and emotional development. Excessive use of such platforms reduces children's face-to-face communication, which can negatively impact their ability to converse, understand emotions, and build relationships.
Experts suggest that instead of maintaining strict surveillance over their children, parents should engage in open and candid conversations. Additionally, it is crucial to set screen time limits, implement strong passwords, and utilize parental control tools.
If you notice sudden changes in a child's behavior, sleep patterns, or mood, it could be a sign of cyberbullying or online distress.
