Social Media
Is the Messenger Kids App Safe? A Messenger Kids App Review for Parents
Recommended Age
7 and up
Overview
In 2017, Facebook launched the Messenger Kids app, a video chat and messaging app designed specifically for kids to communicate with family members and close friends. Kids get a level of autonomy while parents get peace of mind that they can see (nearly) everything their child is doing on the app. Much of the platform’s appeal lies in the fact that parents not only have full oversight into their children’s activities, but they can also tap into the contact lists of their Facebook network — think family members, family friends, and your friend’s kids.
Technically, children under 13 can’t use social media platforms (including Facebook) because of COPPA, a federal law that protects children’s online data. Messenger Kids sidesteps this requirement because parents sign up on their child’s behalf and manage their account themselves.
Harmful Content 😲
Because of the built-in safeguards the app has, the primary dangers kids face are interactions with existing friends and acquaintances, rather than strangers. A common risk to kids is cyberbullying, which can take place both in text chats and through sent images/videos. Even with Messenger Kids, parents may only find out about it after the fact, unfortunately, so it’s something to be aware of.
The major blind spot in Messenger Kids, though, is the video functionality. While parents can see who their child called and when they called them, no record is left of the interaction itself. This means that if your child experienced bullying or other issues like inappropriate or offensive content over live video chats, there would be no evidence.
Predation 🚨
Apart from a 2019 bug that temporarily allowed strangers into some group chats, Messenger Kids is a remarkably secure app for kids wishing to chat and video call with friends and family members. Kids can’t message anyone their parents don’t approve of first.
Positive Value 💙
For families with kids ready for a little independence when it comes to sending messages, this app is a good option. Being able to chat and keep up friendships brings incredible value to a child’s life, especially for people that may live far away. And because of its seamless integration with Facebook, it’s super easy to use.
Older family members may especially like Messenger Kids because they don’t have to download any new apps in order to keep in touch. If a grandparent already has Facebook, they can get started messaging with their grandchild instantly without having to learn a new social media platform or chat app.
Privacy 🔒
Messenger Kids is a pretty locked-down app, so privacy is a big selling point. Strangers can’t search for or find your kid’s profile, which is definitely comforting. Everything is tied to your account, and you’re in complete control of what your child can do.
Parental Controls ✅
Messenger Kids is not only completely managed by parents, but it also has very robust parental controls, including features like:
- Supervised friending — Edit the contact list and monitor friending activity in the Parent Dashboard.
- Sleep mode — Control which days and times your child can use the app.
- Blocking and reporting — Get notified whenever your kids block or report someone.
- Downloadable information — Access your child’s data, including their contact list, messages, images, and videos.
- Complete chat history — See who your child is chatting with and how frequently over the last 30 days.
- Image log — See the most recent photos and videos your child has sent and received.
Bark also provides support for families who use the Messenger Kids app. We’re here to help you keep your child safe by allowing you to:
- Block Messenger Kids entirely, if needed.
- Manage when your child can use it throughout the day.
- Monitor direct messages (text chat only) on Androids, Kindle Fires, and Pinwheel phones.
We’re continually advocating and working for Messenger Kids to allow iOS monitoring.
So, should my kid download it?
Yes, for kids about 7 and above! Because your kid’s account is connected to yours, you manage who they can chat with. You can also view every message they send, so you’ll be able to know what’s being discussed when they use the Messenger Kids app.
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