[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||4px|2%|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Qustodio team” position=”Experts in digital safety” image_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/10\/01090043\/Qustodio-Team.png” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||24px|7px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ position_text_align_tablet=”” position_text_align_phone=”center” position_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/12\/03114522\/MessengerKidsSafetyGuide_BlogRebranding_InsideImage_Cover_BlogImage_Desktop.jpg” alt=”Is Messenger Kids safe for children” title_text=”MessengerKidsSafetyGuide_BlogRebranding_InsideImage_Cover_BlogImage_Desktop” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Many of our conversations now take place online: through video messaging, chat applications, and social media. Our hyper-connected world offers us multiple ways to grow closer with our family and friends, and being able to catch up with our loved ones at the touch of a button is certainly one of the huge advantages of technology. <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s only natural, of course, that our kids now want to do the same. But when you\u2019re a parent of young children, the idea of them chatting and messaging online can seem daunting. Enter Facebook\u2019s Messenger Kids: <\/span>a free video calling and messaging app designed for under 13s<\/b>. <\/span>While a messaging app \u201cMade for children, controlled by parents<\/i>\u201d might sound like a good way for your kids to stay in touch with friends and family, for many parents, the connection with Facebook is enough to raise questions (and eyebrows). <\/span><\/p>\n What privacy does Messenger Kids offer? How does Messenger Kids work? And, most importantly: Is Messenger Kids safe for kids?<\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Qustodio:<\/strong> 8+ at parents’ discretion, but with close monitoring<\/span><\/p>\n Apple<\/a><\/strong>:<\/strong> 4+<\/span><\/p>\n Android<\/a><\/strong>:<\/strong> Everyone (content is generally suitable for all ages)<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Facebook\u2019s Messenger Kids is a video calling and messaging app designed with children in mind. Kids can keep in touch with selected friends and family members, and make use of fun features such as stickers, filters, and drawing tools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But <\/span>how does Messenger Kids work?<\/b> Facebook requires children to be at least 13 before they can open an account, so how can they use the kids\u2019 chat application before that? <\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s the workaround: <\/span>Messenger Kids doesn\u2019t require your child to have a Facebook account<\/b> or telephone number, as it uses your login credentials to authenticate your child\u2019s device. As a parent, you download the Messenger Kids app onto your child\u2019s phone or tablet, then authorize the download through your own Facebook app. This link to your child\u2019s Messenger Kids application will allow you to have a certain amount of control over how your child interacts on the app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Kids love messaging apps for the very same reason you do – it\u2019s an opportunity to socialize! Children love engaging with their friends list on Messenger Kids. The app also has a group chat feature, which allows children to stay part of the conversation and not feel left out<\/strong>, whether it\u2019s with friends or family members. They can also make use of a wide range of stickers, filters, and drawing tools designed with kids in mind. <\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]As <\/span>Messenger Kids requires parent involvement<\/b> every step of the way, it\u2019s not an app that allows your child to be secretive, or which puts them at risk of stranger interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Messenger Kids <\/span>gives you full control over your child\u2019s account<\/b>. Once you\u2019ve signed your child up, you have access to a \u201cParent dashboard\u201d. Here, you can control your child\u2019s contact list, approve or deny contact requests, download any of your child\u2019s conversations, and log your child out of the app remotely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Other features of Messenger Kids include:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/12\/03114528\/MessengerKidsSafetyGuide_BlogRebranding_Insideimage_Desktop.jpg” alt=”Messenger Kids is it safe for children” title_text=”MessengerKidsSafetyGuide_BlogRebranding_Insideimage_Desktop” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]As with any social application, parents should be aware that <\/span>children using Messenger Kids could be <\/b>at risk from cyberbullying<\/b><\/a>, no matter their age. While Messenger Kids only allows your child to chat to an approved list of contacts, harassment or bullying could come from someone they know. While you can download your child\u2019s chats at any point, the video functionality does not leave behind a recording, so you would never be able to witness your child\u2019s videochat interactions, which could be concerning if they experienced bullying or harassment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One advantage of Messenger Kids in this sense is that <\/span>your child can report or block users<\/b>, and you\u2019ll receive an alert when they do. This means you can talk to your child about the reasons why they decided to block someone if it happens, making it easier for you as a family to get to the root of the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n As a parent, you might also hesitate to allow your child to use social media apps at a young age. While Messenger Kids is a much more restricted version of Facebook\u2019s regular Messenger service, problems associated with social media use, such as addiction, could be a concern. One way to combat this type of problem would be to <\/span>create a list of rules and boundaries surrounding use of Messenger Kids<\/b>, and to <\/span>use a <\/b>parental control tool<\/b><\/a> to set screen time limits<\/b>, encouraging your child to engage online in a healthy way.\u00a0<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n In 2019 <\/span>a technical error was detected<\/span><\/a> with Messenger Kids, where strangers were able to access <\/span>\u201ca small number of group chats\u201d,<\/span><\/i> as confirmed by a Facebook representative<\/span>. The error allowed children to create group chats with friends of friends – who technically were not on the parent-approved contact list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, Messenger Kids can be installed on any device, and any adult can authorize use – <\/span>parental consent is not verified<\/b>, and you only need an adult with a Facebook account to grant access. Privacy groups in the USA have brought forward <\/span>FTC complaints<\/span><\/a> surrounding the app, both on the grounds that parental consent can be bypassed, and that the Facebook privacy policy allegedly allows Messenger Kids to pass or disclose data to third parties. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]When looking at the safety of individual online interactions, Messenger Kids is a relatively safe space for children to chat to their friends and family. As a parent, the app offers peace of mind, in that you can monitor your child\u2019s conversations (except video chat) and encourage them to engage with technology in a positive manner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, when it comes to how Messenger Kids deals with your child\u2019s personal data, the privacy policy is vague. As there are no in-app purchases, Facebook does not use your child\u2019s data for targeted ads, but it\u2019s unclear how they do use the data. Their <\/span>privacy policy<\/span><\/a> states <\/span>Facebook <\/b>\u201c<\/b>may share you or your child\u2019s Personal Information for business purposes<\/i><\/b>\u201d<\/b>, but they do not state what these purposes are.<\/p>\n Additionally, before downloading Messenger Kids, as a parent, you may want to ask yourself: <\/span>\u201cHow young is too young?\u201d<\/b> It is up to you and your family to decide on the appropriate age for your child to engage with chat applications, and when to allow them their first taste of social media. On the one hand, we live in a world where this type of interaction online is both normal and expected, while on the other, there are risks associated with digital communication which you may decide are not age appropriate: online harassment, <\/span>trolling<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>screen addiction<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d age to start using chat applications, but now you understand more about how safe Messenger Kids is for your child, you\u2019ll be able to make the most informed decision before hitting the download button. And, if you do decide to give them access, remember that the right monitoring tools, teamed with regular, honest and open communication about technology will go a long way towards keeping them safe online. <\/span> Many of our conversations now take place online: through video messaging, chat applications, and social media. Our hyper-connected world offers us multiple ways to grow closer with our family and friends, and being able to catch up with our loved ones at the touch of a button is certainly one of the huge advantages of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":19003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFacebook Messenger Kids app ratings<\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWhat is Messenger Kids?<\/h2>\n
What do kids like about Messenger Kids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nIs Messenger Kids safe for kids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMessenger Kids and privacy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Qustodio\u2019s final advice on Messenger Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"