WhatsApp Age Requirements and Children's Accounts
WhatsApp's minimum age is 13 in most places and higher in some. What the rules say, how parent-managed accounts work where offered, and how to supervise younger users sensibly.
Children often want WhatsApp because their friends, classes and clubs use it. Before saying yes, it helps to know the age rules and what supervision makes sense.
What the rules say
- WhatsApp's minimum age is 13 in most places, and higher in some countries.
- WhatsApp may ask users to confirm their age, and accounts found to be under the minimum age cannot use the service.
- Where available, WhatsApp describes parent-managed accounts for younger users, set up by a parent or guardian. Check the Help Center for what is offered where you live.
If your child uses WhatsApp
- Set up privacy together: photo, About, last seen and groups to My contacts. See privacy settings.
- Turn on two-step verification and keep the PIN safe.
- Silence unknown callers. See how.
- Agree rules about strangers, images and money. See talking about strangers.
- Check in regularly, without spying.
Rules work best when they are shared. Explain why each setting matters, and make it clear your child can come to you if something goes wrong.
For teenagers, see WhatsApp safety for teens. For younger children, see teaching children about scams. For more, see how to protect your WhatsApp account.
Frequently asked questions
What is WhatsApp's minimum age?
13 in most countries, and higher in some. WhatsApp explains that local rules can set a higher age.
What is a parent-managed account?
An option WhatsApp describes for younger users, set up and managed by a parent or guardian, where it is available.
What happens if a child is under the minimum age?
WhatsApp says accounts found to be below the minimum age requirement cannot use the service.
Sources
- Why we ask for your age and how we use age information, WhatsApp Help Center
- Parent-Managed Accounts, WhatsApp Help Center
- Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online, US Federal Trade Commission
