When FB released the "Messenger Kids" app last December, a few eyebrows were raised regarding why a messenger app was needed for kids of age 6-12 years and if it would be a start for their social media addiction that would follow. The makers promised that the security of the child and parent's login details wouldn't be compromised and the strong parental features would ensure this remains nothing more than a communication platform for kids.
And this week- Facebook has tried to win over the parents by introducing another new feature' the "Sleep Mode" that reinforces the parental control on the new app.
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About the new Sleep Mode:
Here's what parents need to know about the new feature on Messenger Kids app:
- The Sleep mode enables parents to specify an 'off time' where the app would be inactive for the kids to use.
- This parental control option that can be set on the parent's FB account ensures your child doesn't spend late nights chatting or gets distracted when they are doing their homework
- You can set separate timings for weekdays and weekends.
What happens when my child tries to access the app when in sleep mode?
When this mode is enabled, if your child tries to access the app- a message prompt tells them that the app is in sleep mode and they can try later! During the sleep mode, your child won't be able to get any notifications, they can’t play with the app’s camera or send and receive messages.
With less than 6 months since its launch- various questions have been raised over the privacy, security features and the need for the app. Facebook has reiterated that there is no access to external apps or advertising in the app- so you are sure that there is no data collected for commercial purposes. With the introduction of the "Sleep Mode" they have probably put a rest to some of our questions- only time will tell if the app wins the parents' trust in the long run.
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Mansi Zaveri
