Child advocacy groups are up in arms at Facebook over its Messenger Kids app, and very loud calls are being made for it to be shut down due to concerns over safety.
The app, which was launched in December 2017 and is targeted to children under 13 years of age, is free of advertisements, in-app purchases or data collection, and it must be downloaded to a child’s phone by their parents. Parents then have control over who their child talks to (they need to approve new contacts), and Messenger Kids accounts are not visible via regular searches on Facebook.
Nevertheless, dozens of pediatric and mental health experts are calling on Facebook to kill its Messenger Kids app for the sake of ensuring children’s safety. In a letter to the company, these medical professionals argued that the app preys on a vulnerable group that isn’t mentally or emotionally prepared to be using the social network.
The letter, which was organized by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, said that young children were simply not ready to have social media accounts, citing a growing body of research demonstrating that excessive use of digital devices and social media is harmful to children and teens.
The opposition to the Messenger Kids app is further evidence of wider societal concerns over digital media and devices. In fact, some of Facebook’s own founders have raised the alarm in recent weeks over how the social network is designed to get its users totally and completely hooked.
What’s more is it has been scientifically proven that the rise in smartphone and social media usage has coincided with a rise in unhappiness in teenagers. Although the Messenger Kids app does not feature a news feed or like button as the regular Facebook does, many of the main elements are there, including selfies, video chat, and group texting.
Despite Facebook’s insistence that the app is safe, citing parents’ abilities to control their children’s interactions with other Messenger Kids users, child advocacy groups and health advocates are arguing that it’s still engineered to hook users and give the social media giant access to its next generation of users.
It remains to be seen whether Facebook will budge after these cries for the app to be shelved, but it looks unlikely in the foreseeable future.
Images © Facebook
Get the Most Out of Facebook with These Useful Tips
Want to get more out of your Facebook account? Then check out these brilliant Facebook tips, tricks and facts!
Our Guide to Making Free Video and Audio Calls Online
This guide will allow you to reach anyone online and for free for real calls without any previous knowledge!
Erase Your Online Personal Information in 8 Easy Steps!
Ever wondered how you can delete anything you've posted about yourself online. Follow this easy-to-follow guide to erase all traces.
9 Lesser-Known Tips for Using Facebook Messenger
Learn some of the hidden tips and tricks on the popular Facebook Messenger app.
Have You Been Blocked on Facebook? Find Out Here...
If you're wondering whether or not someone has blocked you on Facebook, then read this article to find out if this is really the case.
Former NSA Hacker Reveals How to Keep Yourself Safe Online
If you want to keep yourself safe online, then make sure that you heed these tips from a former hacker.
If You Aren’t Doing these Things, Your PC WILL Wear Out...
All the basics of computer maintenance.
Losing Important Emails? Here’s How to Tidy Up Your Gmail
A helpful guide to setting up Gmail filters to prevent emails from getting lost or spam overflowing your inbox.
These Free Apps Turn Your Photos Into Beautiful Paintings
Your photos will look artistic with the help of these free apps.
Everything You Need to Know About Bitcoin
The following article is an unofficial guide to Bitcoin and will explain everything there is to know about it.
Is Google Going to Demand Payment for Its New Searches?
Google might start charging for access to search results that use generative artificial intelligence tools.
9 Underrated Free Websites That Will Make Your Life Easier
Yes, there are still many more useful websites you don’t know about!
Overwhelmed by Your iPhone Update? Here's Our Guide
New iPhone update isn't your cup of tea? Here's how to make your iPhone feel more familiar.
YouTube: 40 Surprising Secrets You Never Knew
YouTube has a range of practical tricks tucked away that you never knew about. Time to discover them.
Your Phone Battery Doesn’t Last All Day? This Might Be Why
Is your phone's battery dead again before you know it? Here are 8 potential causes that could be draining your phone's battery life...
There's a keyboard Shortcut for Nearly Everything Here!
These shortcuts will cut down the time you waste fiddling about on the computer, and make you into something of an expert.
These Free Tools Will Help You Download Any Video Online
These free tools will help you download any video online.
These Red Flags Indicate That a Shopping Website is Fake!
With online shopping being more prevalent than ever, scams are also on the rise. These are 8 warning signs that a shopping website is fake.
6 Secure Search Engines You Can Use Instead of Google
Google isn’t the only search engine you have to use.
Your iPhone's Volume Buttons Have Tons of Hidden Features!
There is more to your iPhone's volume buttons than you knew about!
Don't Like the Standard Apps on Your Phone? Get These!
Here are 6 brilliant apps, that'll blow the free ones that come with your phone out of the water!
Full Guide: How to Download Google Photos to PC in 2024
Now you can easily backup all your Google Photos to your PC with these tips.
Is This Monitor Best for You? A Screen Buying Guide
Looking to buy a new computer monitor? This buying guide will help make that decision easier.
12 Things You May Not Have Realized AI Can Do For You
This article explores twelve delightful ways to harness the power of AI for entertainment, learning, and creativity.
Want Better Google Search Results? Try These Tricks!
Use Google like a pro with these useful tips and tricks.
The Most Useful Keyboard Tricks for Microsoft Word
These Word Tricks are guaranteed to make you a master of typing!
Learn to Avoid the Most Common Scams on the Internet
As we navigate the internet, there's a minefield of scams that we have to avoid that could potentially explode in our faces. Here are the 25 most common.
Android 14: Learn All the New Features in the Newest Update
Sit back and learn what's new in your android phone in this informative video.
SHOCKING: This is How Easily We Get Hacked by Cyber Crooks
Hackers can get almost any piece of information from us, without us even knowing. This will really make you think twice.
10 Free Useful Portable Applications You Should Know!
Have you used portable apps? They can be so handy!
9 Lesser-Known Tips for Using Facebook Messenger
Learn some of the hidden tips and tricks on the popular Facebook Messenger app.
IPhone vs. Google Pixel: The Superior Choice?
Are Google Pixel phones the better choice over iPhones? Let’s find out.
How to Turn Your Phone Into a Wifi Hotspot!
If you've ever dreamt of sharing your smartphone's cellular connection with other Wi-Fi-only devices, such as a tablet or a laptop, then you're in luck!
6 Unnecessary Windows Programs You Should Uninstall
Your Windows PC could be filled with unwanted and outdated apps and programs... Delete them today.
What Do Those 12 Mysterious 'F' Keys on Your Keyboard Mean?
Find out what those 12 curious F keys on your keyboard mean.
Get the Most Out of Google Photos With These Tips
These useful tips and tricks will help you get more out of Google Photos.
Suno AI: Make Any Song You Want, in Any Style You Want
Suno AI is at the cutting edge of blending music creation with the power of artificial intelligence.
The Easy Way to Clean Your Computer's Keyboard
Cleaning a dirty keyboard is quite a straightforward task, as you're about to find out.
How to Download Streaming Movies for Offline Viewing
Here's how to download movies and TV series from your favorite streaming services to watch them offline.
You Should Try These Awesome YouTube Alternatives
YouTube isn’t the only video site out there. Here are some cool alternatives that are worth trying.
The Three Most Recommended Android Phones for 2024
Our goal was to ensure a representative selection across different price brackets and specific user requirements, offering something for every potential buyer.
Guide: How to Protect Your Eyes When On the Computer
Eye strain can be a serious problem if you work at a computer for long hours each day. Luckily, there are various things you can do in order to prevent it.
How to Re-Use Your Old Smartphone: 7 Useful Tips & Tricks
Bought a new smartphone? Don’t sell your old one yet. It has many uses…
Tutorial: 15 Tips and Tricks for Google Docs!
Buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of Google Docs, learning 15 tips and tricks for the beginner and power user.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop can be pretty useful for those who want to control their PC or Mac from their phone, tablet, or other computer.
9 Facebook Marketplace Scams You Should be Wary Of
Facebook Marketplace scams have become more common than you perhaps realize. Here’s how you can avoid them.
How to Transfer Your Old VHS Tapes to a Computer
Do you have old family videos on VHS? It's time to make them digital so you can share them with all the family more easily! This video will show you how.