Facebook is looking into creating an Instagram for kids.
The world’s largest social media network told USA TODAY Thursday it is exploring the possibility of building a version of its popular video- and photo-sharing app for children younger than 13.
An Instagram for kids could be similar to Facebook’s 2017 launch of Messenger Kids, a version of the popular texting app for children ages 6-12. The appdrew scrutiny for a controversial design flaw where children could still chat with adults.
A Facebook spokesperson said in an email Thursday that an Instagram for kids is in its “very early stages.”
“Increasingly kids are asking their parents if they can join apps that help them keep up with their friends. Right now there aren’t many options for parents, so we’re working on building additional products – like we did with Messenger Kids – that are suitable for kids, managed by parents,” the spokesperson said. “We’re exploring bringing a parent-controlled experience to Instagram to help kids keep up with their friends, discover new hobbies and interests, and more.”
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Instagram’s current policy doesn’t allow kids under 13 to use the platform, which touts more than 1 billion users. News of Facebook’s plan to build a kids’ version of Instagram comes two days after the tech giant…
