In an age where screens dominate our children’s attention, Facebook has introduced a “kid-friendly” version of its messaging service, called Messenger Kids. Aimed at children aged 13 and younger, this app is Facebook’s attempt to compete with popular platforms like Snapchat and YouTube by providing a safe space for kids to communicate. However, before allowing your child to dive into this digital world, there are some essential considerations.
Due to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), many tech companies are cautious about creating apps that collect personal data from minors without parental consent. Messenger Kids navigates this legal landscape by requiring parental approval before the app can be used. This ensures that the app operates within the boundaries of a parent’s Facebook account.
So how does Messenger Kids function? This standalone app is available for download on various devices, including tablets and smartphones, and now the Kindle Fire. It allows children to safely video chat and message with family and friends, facilitating connections when they can’t be together in person. Once set up, children can add friends, but each request must be approved by an adult through the parent portal. The app also comes equipped with a variety of fun filters, GIFs, stickers, and drawing tools, allowing kids to express their creativity.
What Information Does Facebook Collect?
To create a profile, parents must provide their child’s real name, which may raise some red flags for many. If you have multiple children, you can set up additional profiles for each. These profiles are used to connect kids with approved friends and family, but remember that every friend request needs parental consent.
Ads and Data Collection
Interestingly, Messenger Kids does not feature ads or in-app purchases. According to product director Sarah Thompson, Facebook will not utilize information collected from children for marketing purposes. However, this policy could change, and it’s important to note that data about your child’s interactions can still inform targeted ads for adults. This leads to further concerns about privacy.
Since Messenger Kids is under the Facebook umbrella, it inevitably collects data about users, including your child’s name, messages, photos, and interaction details. This data is stored indefinitely and could be shared across Facebook’s services. For instance, once your child turns 13, Facebook could seamlessly transition their Messenger Kids account into a standard Facebook account, complete with a network of friends already established. If a parent decides to delete the Messenger account, the content exchanged may still be accessible to others.
Privacy Concerns
Facebook has faced significant scrutiny over its privacy practices, including hefty fines in Europe for violations. Concerns about Messenger Kids have been echoed by advocates for children’s online safety, such as Mark Davis, the CEO of Safe Net Media. He suggests that Facebook should publicly commit to keeping this app free from ads and marketing tactics aimed at children.
The development of Messenger Kids was purportedly based on extensive research and input from child development specialists and educators, aiming to create a safe digital environment for young users. However, one must wonder if this initiative serves as merely a stepping stone to nurture future Facebook users.
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In summary, while Messenger Kids presents an appealing option for parents wanting to keep their children connected safely, it also raises valid concerns about privacy and data collection. As parents, it’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully before granting access to this new platform.