Exposing digital solutions to young children is a contentious subject, how much should they be using and for how long and at what age? But we live in an technological world, which is ever so pervasive and we can’t avoid them to miss out or be left behind. So, when Facebook announced its messenger service for kids, it raised eyebrows everywhere, with the internet already receiving much flak from data privacy to child grooming and lacking in security. Why is the popular social media network venturing into this sensitive area?

Facebook did its homework; it decided to release the preview only after talking to thousands of parents, experts and associations like the National PTA, and wanted to give a service for kids to connect with their family, but with a level of control parents should have.

The standalone app is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store and can be downloaded into the children’s tablet or mobile device but can be controlled from a parent’s Facebook account. Once their account is set up by a parent, kids can start a one-on-one or video group chat with parent-approved contacts. The home screen shows them at a glance who they are approved to talk to, and when those contacts are online. In addition to video chat, kids can send photos, videos or text messages to their parent-approved friends and adult relatives, who will receive the messages via their regular Messenger app.

A library of kid-appropriate and specially chosen GIFs, frames, stickers, masks and drawing tools allow them to decorate content and express their personalities. Facebook has assured there will be no ads nor information on the kids be used for ads purposes and that the service is compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act.