My eight-year-old sees me on social media all the time, but I’ve made it clear that there’s nothing on sites like Facebook that she can really do (besides look over my shoulder to watch funny cat videos). She’s been champing at the bit to get a taste of that sweet, sweet social media life?fun with filters, texting stickers and emojis and other nonsense to friends?but I remain resolute that she won’t have her own account on any social media until at the very least, the minimum age, which is 13. But today Facebook announced something it’s possible we both might like?and that might bridge the gap . The new app is called Messenger Kids, and it launches today in the US. The standalone, ad-free app will allow kids who want to text, send photos and video chat with approved contacts, something that that far-flung family and friends will certainly appreciate this holiday season?and well beyond.
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How the smartphone affected an entire generation of kids
Parents can download the app onto their child?s phone or tablet, create a profile for them, and then OK certain family and friends from the main Messenger app. In essence, it will work much in the same way that you set up a play-date with a young child?s pal?both pare...