On Monday, Facebook announced a new edition of its Messenger chat app, which will target children between the ages six and 12.
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According to The Verge, the app, Messenger Kids, does not require a Facebook account since the social media site is restricted to users under the age of 13. However, parents will be able to monitor and manage the app and contact list from their own Facebook account.
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“There are no ads in Messenger Kids and your child’s information isn’t used for ads. It is free to download and there are no in-app purchases,” the company said, adding that it is designed to protect children from being exploited online.
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The app will have a “library of kid-appropriate and especially chose GIFs, frames, stickers, masks and drawing tools lets them decorate content and express their personalities.” Relatives with Facebook accounts can create Messenger Kids accounts to speak to the children, but parents will be able to control who is approved.
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“Children today are online earlier and earlier. They use family-shared devices – and many, as young as six or seven years old, even have their own,” Facebook’s Public Policy Director said. “Research shows that kids are using apps that are intended for teens and adults,” Antigone Davis added, ultimately encouraging parents to use the app to easily control what your child is doing online.
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