Online safety for children is a huge concern for parents. Naturally, parents want to be sure their kids can securely communicate via the internet.
One way of achieving this goal is Messenger Kids – The Messaging App for Kids from Facebook. It’s an app that was designed for kids but with parents in control.
It’s free and features video calling and instant messaging on smartphones and tablets. As Facebook puts it, parents manage the contacts, and the kids control all the fun.
The app was custom-built for children aged six to twelve. The app’s companion website is well worth a visit to get up to speed with Messenger Kids. You should also check out the Parents Resources page for all the latest Messenger Kids news, tips, and hints.
Parent dashboard
Kid-appropriate filters, sound effects, and reactions
Set limits on usage time
Stickers, emojis, and GIFS
Drawing tools
The Messengers Kids website has a series of videos explaining the app in detail on the How It Works page.
The videos walk you through all the features of how the app keeps your kids safe. So you may wish to head over to the site first before downloading the app. There is also a comprehensive help center with answers to a swathe of FAQ.
Parents use their own Facebook account to set up and manage Messenger Kids. The parents supervise who their child can become friends with and use their Messenger account for message and video call their child. Authorized adults and friends added as contacts use their Messenger accounts.
There are four steps to getting started:
Download the app
Authorize the device your child will be using
Create the account
Customize the parental controls
No ads or in-app purchases
No phone number required
Multi-languages available
Safe environment
Sleep function
Contact blocking
You can review the history
Data deleted when the account is closed
Not available in every country
No simple way to shut off video calls when your kid should be doing homework
No screenshot or inappropriate language prevention
Some data about the child is collected
The parent needs a Facebook account
You can download Messenger Kids at Google Play, Apple’s App Store, and the Amazon App Store.
To create a Messenger Kids account, you first need to login to your Facebook account.
Messenger Kids should appear in the left-hand menu. If you can’t see it, tap See More and scroll down.
On the Messenger Kids page, click on Create Another Account. Enter the child’s first and last name, click Continue and then Create Account. Don’t forget to click Done. You can add more than one child account.
To manage your child’s account, go back to Messenger Kids, then click on the child’s name under Accounts You Manage.
Currently, some dashboard features are only accessible via the mobile app.
The Parents Dashboard includes:
Managing contacts
Managing friending
Setting up sleep mode to limit the times your child can use the app
Downloading your child’s data
Removing images
