Child experts call on Facebook to pull Messenger Kids app

Mary Bowerman | USA TODAY

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More than 100 child development experts and advocates are urging Facebook to end its Messenger Kids app amid worries over the repercussions of encouraging elementary school children to use social media.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the groups called on Facebook to end the app, noting that it will likely be "the first social media platform widely used by elementary school children." The letter, organized by the Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, points to research showing that "excessive use of digital devices and social media" can harm children and teens.

"Younger children are simply not ready to have social media accounts. They are not old enough to navigate the complexities of online relationships, which often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts even among more mature users," the letter states, adding that children may not understand the implications of sending private videos or pictures.

Facebook said it will not shut down the Messenger Kids app, which was designed for kids under 13 and rolled out in December. The social media giant said the app was developed with input from parents, experts in child development and children's media and associations like the National PTA.

Since the app's launch, Facebook says it has received feedback from "parents around the country that Messenger Kids has helped them stay in touch with their children."

"For example, we’ve heard stories of parents working night shifts being able read bedtime stories to their children, and moms who travel for work getting daily updates from their kids while they're away," Facebook Messenger said in an email statement.

The app requires parent approval to sign up and to add new contacts, giving parents more control of the overall experience.. Similar to the popular Facebook Messenger app for adults, the Kids app allows users to send photos and videos, and add GIFs and stickers to messages. There is no News Feed or advertising on the app.

The advocacy groups who signed the letter said it would be "irresponsible" of Facebook to promote the app at a time when the overall impact of early social media and digital use seems bleak. The letter points to research showing higher rates of depression among teens who use social media.

"Encouraging kids to move their friendships online will interfere with and displace the face-to-face interactions and play that are crucial for building healthy developmental skills, including the ability to read human emotion, delay gratification, and engage with the physical world," the letter states.

More: Facebook wants kids under 13 to try new Messenger app