• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
methodshop

methodshop

tech news, reviews & how to's

  • Top Stories
  • Latest
  • Fun
  • Life
  • Learn

Home : Family : What do you think about Facebook’s controversial Messenger Kids App?

Messenger Kids

What do you think about Facebook’s controversial Messenger Kids App?

Messenger Kids is Facebook's mobile messaging app aimed at children under the age of 13. It gives younger users access to a restricted version of Facebook's text and video chat features. But should you install it for your kids? The controversial app is raising a lot of eyebrows from both parents and child development experts.

May 14, 2018 by Collin Pisarra
FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Critics Question Facebook's Intentions
  • Parental Control in Messenger Kids
  • Targeting Younger Users
  • Available For iOS, Fire, and Android

Messenger Kids is Facebook’s mobile messaging app aimed at children under the age of 13. It gives younger users access to a restricted version of Facebook’s text and video chat features. But should you install it for your kids? The controversial app is raising a lot of eyebrows from both parents and child development experts.

Critics Question Facebook’s Intentions

The goal of the Messenger Kids app is to let kids aged 6-12 safely communicate with friends and family on Facebook. But critics think it’s just a gateway for Facebook to lure younger users into the platform once they are 13 and can have a full account. Child development experts are calling for Facebook to shut down the app. As most parents struggle to limit their kid’s screen time, experts question why we would intentionally drive them to use an app.

Parental Control in Messenger Kids

One of the core advantages of the Messenger Kids app is that it gives parents control over who their kids can chat with using the app. Messenger Kids must be authenticated from a parent’s own Facebook account before the app can be activated, and parents have to approve new address book contacts before they can be added.

Targeting Younger Users

Going after the 13 and under demographic is something new for Facebook. Until now, the social network had strictly avoided products aimed at the 13-and-under crowd. Why? To avoid data and privacy regulations, particularly the strict Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act. Facebook says the new app was specifically designed to be compliant with the law.

Available For iOS, Fire, and Android

The Messengers Kids app first debuted on iOS in December 2017. But as of February 14, 2018, the app is now also available for Android andAmazon Fire as well.

Related Posts:

  • Friskies Facebook App Lets You Play with Real Cats Over the Internet
    Friskies Facebook App Lets You Play with Real Cats Over the…
  • FamilyTime: How A Parental Control App Can Keep Your Kids Safe Online
    FamilyTime: How A Parental Control App Can Keep Your Kids…
  • What Do You Think Of The New "Really" Windows Phone TV Commercials?
    What Do You Think Of The New "Really" Windows Phone TV…



FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
Category: Family Tag: Apps, Children, Facebook, kids, mobile, privacy, Social Media
Previous Post: « Woman Working Remote How Online Tools Can Really Help Give Your Business A Boost
Next Post: These Are The 11 Hottest IoT Startups And Established Veterans To Watch (2018) Internet of Things (IoT) »

Sidebar

Trending Now

  • 18 Weird Facts About Sea-Monkeys You Won't Believe Are True, Including Their Connection To The Ku Klux Klan18 Weird Facts About Sea-Monkeys You Won’t Believe Are True, Including Their…
  • 7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google's Cameras7 Pictures Of Naked People Captured By Google’s Cameras
  • 20 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Sleepless Elite20 Famous People Who Are Members Of The Sleepless Elite
  • 55 Funny Out Of Office Messages That Will Make Your Coworkers Smile55 Funny Out Of Office Messages That Will Make Your Coworkers Smile
  • 25 Reasons Why Action Park Was The World's Most Dangerous Amusement Park25 Reasons Why Action Park Was The World’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park
  • The 30 Best Caddyshack Quotes That'll Make You LaughThe 30 Best Caddyshack Quotes That’ll Make You Laugh
  • How To Easily Create A PayPal Shipping Label Without InvoiceHow To Easily Create A PayPal Shipping Label Without Invoice
  • 8 Of The Best Quotes From Field Of Dreams8 Of The Best Quotes From Field Of Dreams
  • 50+ Famous Happy Birthday Quotes From Notable Personalities50+ Famous Happy Birthday Quotes From Notable Personalities
  • 30 Funny Computer Jokes That Will Make IT Professionals Smile30 Funny Computer Jokes That Will Make IT Professionals Smile

Categories

About

MethodShop’s mission is to entertain, inform, and sometimes gross you out. MethodShop has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by us. All prices are subject to change.

Latest

Alexa Music

15 Essential Music Commands For Amazon Alexa

Helpful Tips For Anyone Selling A Luxury Home

8 Essential Tips For Anyone Selling A Luxury Home

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
MethodShop Animated Zoom Icon
  • About
  • Submit
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Store

Copyright © 2022 MethodShop · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT