In March of this year, Buzzfeed leaked the news that Facebook was planning to make an “Instagram” app for children who are under 13.
Instagram spokesperson, Stephanie Otway, said the launch leaked prematurely:
“We agree that any experience we develop must prioritize their safety and privacy, and we will consult with experts in child development, child safety and mental health, and privacy advocates to inform it,” Otway said. “The reality is that kids are online. They want to connect with their family and friends, have fun and learn, and we want to help them do that in a way that is safe and age-appropriate. We also want to find practical solutions to the ongoing industry problem of kids lying about their age to access apps.”
Knowledge of Facebook plans eventually reached experts. The leak resulted in the establishment of an international coalition of public health and child safety advocates. The coalition, coordinated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, consisted of 35 organizations and 64 individual experts.
Over 180,000 people are calling on Facebook to cancel its plans for Instagram for kids. It's time for Mark Zuckerberg to listen to the facts, the experts, and the public. pic.twitter.com/3uO9ZqB9B4
— CCFC (@commercialfree) May 25, 2021
In a letter to Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, they stated:
“Instagram, in particular, exploits young people’s fear of missing out and desire for peer approval to encourage children and teens to constantly check their devices and share photos with their followers,” the letter shares. “The platform’s relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation, and branding presents challenges to adolescents’ privacy and wellbeing.”
They continue, “Younger children are even less developmentally equipped to deal with these challenges, as they are learning to navigate social interactions, friendships, and their inner sense of strengths and challenges during this crucial window of development.”
Otway and the Instagram team responded to the concerns and reaffirmed that the app would be ad-free and would have forms of parental control. Facebook also emphasized the fact that many users lie about their age on Instagram and pretend to be over 13. To this, the coalition responded:
“However, launching a version of Instagram for children under 13 is not the right remedy and would put young users at great risk.”
Psychologist, Jean Twenge, who also signed the letter shared his own concerns:
“There’s a good amount of research suggesting that Instagram is among the most toxic social media platforms because of its emphasis on image and followers,” Twenge explained. “My view is that there’s really no way to make it completely safe for young kids.”
It is unclear how Facebook is going to continue with Instagram for kids after receiving criticism.
What do you think about Facebook for under 13-year-olds? Comment below!