In their efforts to connect everyone on the planet, Facebook has today launched a new messaging app for kids, but before you get excited it’s only available in the US.
It’s a fine line that Facebook, and indeed all tech companies have to tread when it comes to children, with guidelines in place for users under the age of 13. The app has been available on both iOS, as well as through the Amazon app store for their Fire branded tablets since last month, and now Facebook has decided it’s time for Android in general.
The app doesn’t require children using it to have a Facebook account, it’s controlled by parents through their Messenger app who then get access to their kids contact list allowing them to limit access to trusted friends and family. Messages remain, there’s no disappearing Snapchat style messages here so you can see what the kids are talking about.
For the kids there’s stickers, GIFs and they can attach frames to pictures or send emoji just like usual chat apps. There’s one-on-one video calls available in the app as well which include interactive masks. The camera component of the app also comes with different customisations like stickers to let Kids really express their creativity.
The app – called Messenger Kids – Safer Video Calls and Texting – is only in the US currently but if you want to give it a go you can download the app from APKMirror now.
I swear this came out for Android like 6 months ago or so.