Facebook is considering the development of an Instagram-like app for children under 13 to connect with family and peers in an ad-free environment, reports Wall Street Journal. The move would be in part a policy-driven approach to lure children off their original Instagram platform.
The development reflects a study in which Facebook participated that showed 81% of US parents reported their children started using social media between ages 8 and 13.
Whereas the move is likely to lower the number of views on ads, Facebook expects the app to make its ad-targeting ability across its platforms better.
In 2017, Facebook launched Messenger Kids, a messaging app similar to Facebook Messenger targeting children aged 6 and 12.
While children’s apps are expected to boost children’s safety on digital platforms, they have been touted as gateway products to get them to spend unhealthy amounts of time online.
Although Facebook says children’s apps aren’t about the money, it is widely believed the social media giant is unlikely to somehow monetize its youngest users. Facebook stock is currently declining. FB: NASDAQ is down 0.27%
