When a child is 6-years-old, they have a mind that is full of imagination. They may have trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality in many cases. They are also learning to read and do not understand the concept of privacy. That is why health experts have begged Facebook not to promote a messaging service to children.
Facebook introduced a new version of Messenger last month. This version of messenger is specifically for children who are under the age of 13. Experts believe that this version of messenger will put a lot of children at risk.
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood wrote a letter to Facebook. This is an advocacy group that has encouraged people to stop promoting things like Pokemon Go to children. The group is also concerned about the dangers that this new messenger app will have.
The group stated that children are not mature enough to have a Facebook account. There have also been a number of studies done to confirm that social media and digital devices are harmful for children. They also stated that the new Facebook messenger app will have the same harmful effects.
Technology companies have also recognized the harmful effects of devices. Many apple investors have been trying to come up with devices that will make the iPhones less addictive. Studies have also shown that teens who use social media a lot are more likely to be depressed.
Messenger Kids is a service that has to be set up by the parents. The parent will set up the messenger service using their own Facebook account. The app does not have a like button or newsfeed. However, it does have selfies, emojis, group texting and videochat.
Facebook stated that Messenger Kids will provide a safe outlet for kids to communicate. They also stated that parents will be able to control who their children communicate with. Mental health advocates stated that this app will get people hooked on social media at a young age.
Michael Brody has worked for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He stated that Facebook is marketing itself to children. The children will start getting hooked on it at younger ages.
