Two years ago, Facebook launched a safer messaging app for kids namely Messenger Kids. This app was created by the company to provide a safe and secure platform for kids so they could engage in healthy conversations and stay away from inappropriate content.
Several parents accused Facebook Messenger app of being an “open” instant messaging app for their kids and wanted them to stay away from it. They discouraged using the app as it allowed strangers to send their kids unsolicited and sometimes, inappropriate messages. The app also required most parents to use iPhone and Android spy apps for the kids’ safety.
When Facebook announced the launch of a separate messaging app for kids, parents couldn’t hold themselves and wanted to give it a try at the earliest. So, did Messenger Kids live up to their expectations? Or is it another marketing gimmick by Facebook? We need to figure out. You can buy real Instagram likes on their website.
Many critics already see the app as a marketing tactic aimed to make young people join the Facebook community as early as possible. On the other hand, many users praise the app, saying they couldn’t find any other kid-friendly social platform for their kids. So, what’s the truth behind it? Read on to find out everything about Messenger Kids. Here you can buy instagram likes.
What is Messenger Kids All About?
Like we mentioned above, Messenger Kids is a standalone instant messaging app designed for kids aged between 6 and 12 years. It allows kids to connect with friends and family through a digital device (smartphone or tablet) without using any phone number or Facebook account.
Surely, you will find other apps out there providing the same service. However, Messenger Kids has been designed keeping in mind specific safety controls. What’s more, this messaging app is associated with the world’s most established and celebrated social media network.
Approved contacts such as friends and family members can connect with the young kids on the Messenger Kids app using their existing Facebook Messenger app.
There’s no denying the fact that Facebook has worked hard to listen to parents’ plea about their kid’s privacy, data collection, risk of predators and other online dangers on Facebook. We wouldn’t say that Messenger Kids is the safest platform for your kids but we can say it with confidence that it offers better security features than other leading instant messaging apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.
Does Messenger Kids Promote Healthy Development?
Before you allow your kids to start using Messenger Kids, you need to first consider how appropriate or relevant the messaging app is for your child’s mental development. In simpler words, could kids between 6-12 years of age benefit from regularly using this kind of instant messaging app?
On speaking to Jennifer Shapka, a development psychologist, we found that it’s highly unlikely of kids deriving any benefit from this social app. The reason is, kids in this developmental stage aren’t yet looking to form social connections that older kids are. For them, you, as a parent, are still the most important social agent in their life. It’s not until they enter teen years that friends become a pivotal part of their social life.
Having said that, we necessarily do not mean that young kids won’t enjoy using the Messenger Kids app. On the contrary, they are going to love it. The addition of fun masks in the games, sound effects, and the stickers in the app is what will attract most kids. This app can be a great platform for kids seeking entertainment on the internet and prevent them from going anywhere else.
Keeping Kids Safe on the Instant-Messaging App
If you believe your kids are going to be completely safe on the Messenger Kids app, you’re wrong. All kids using any kind of social media or instant-instant messaging app are at risk. When you come to believe that your kid is at risk on all the social media apps they use, you can take important steps towards providing them with a safer social media experience.
If you have allowed your kids to use Messenger Kids, here are some important points that you should discuss with your child so you can teach them how to use the app.
Online Friends
You need to decide who will be your kid’s online friends on the app. Do they want to connect with friends or grandparents? Do they want to include school friends? If so, why and how many will they include? Always set guidelines for approving new friends to the app.
Inappropriate Content
As a parent, you must review all the messages they receive on the app. If you happen to come across a message containing bad words or inappropriate content, you must know what to do with them. Pornography can destroy your kid’s mental stability and can make them an addict. Make sure you regularly monitor your kid’s activity on the app.
You may use hidden spy apps for Android and iPhone to keep track of their online activity but it’s better if you gain their trust first and let them know that you will be looking at their messages and other activity regularly. This way your kid won’t feel offended.
Monitoring tools are used to provide an additional layer of protection to your kids while they spend time on their favorite social media apps. Visit their main site here.
