What is Messenger Kids?
Messenger Kids is a new FREE app for students to send digital messages on and to participate in video calls with approved family and friends.
This brand new app comes with a ton of safety features that allow children to enjoy connecting with friends and family. The best part is, parents can sit back and relax knowing their child is using the Messenger Kids app versus using social media apps and feeling left in the dark to their child’s digital footprint.
Messenger Kids allows your child to send messages and make video calls using only Wi-Fi, no phone number needed.
Messenger Kids IS NOT…
- A Facebook Account for your child.
- A Facebook Messenger Account for your child.
- A Social Media Account for your child.
Messenger Kids is a separate app JUST FOR KIDS!
How Does this Work for Parents?
The first thing you need to know are parents are in complete control! YES! Parents have full control of the contact list of who your child can contact. The best part is, messages DO NOT disappear or delete forever, so parents can even double check whenever. Kids cannot hide anything:-)
After you set up your child’s account on Messenger Kids, the parent enters the “Parent Portal” which is located in the parent’s Facebook App.
Parents can message their own child through their Facebook App’s messenger to their child’s Messenger Kids App.
How do Parents control the App?
Once a parent has set up their child’s Messenger Kids app, the parent can then enter the “Parent Portal” located in their own Facebook App. Once in the “Parent Portal”, parents can then:
- Create your child’s contact list.
- Add and approve contacts from your child.
- Remove contacts from your child’s list.
- Set sleep mode times.
- Set on and off times.
- Reports – Parents can make a report of something they do not like and the app can send a parent a report of inappropriate content as well.
Most importantly, the Messenger Kids App is in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Act!
How Does this Work for Kids?
The best part about this app is that kids are provided with everything they want and need to communicate with family and friends! This includes:
- Stickers, GIFs, frames, masks and filters are FUN and kid appropriate!
- There are games and drawing tools!
- Create videos and decorate photos!
- Communicate one on one in video chat or messaging!
- Communicate in group video chats or group messages!
- Able to stay in touch with friends and family!
Where can I Download?
- Messenger Kids is available to download using Wifi to your own device or your child’s device via:
- Apple App Store for iPads, iPhones and iPods.
- Google Play Store for Android Devices.
- Amazon Appstore for Fire Tablets.
Just enter “Messenger Kids” in the search bar to find. You will see an image like like the one below-
2. Authenticate your child’s device using YOUR Facebook login (*This WILL NOT create a Facebook account for your child)!
3. Create an account for your child by just adding their name.
4. Head to your “Parent Portal” on your Facebook account to set up contacts and controls! Remember, this is where you can monitor all of your child’s communications.
See Messenger Kids in Action!
As a teacher-mama, this awesome app is not only for my own children but for my students as well. There are so many things to love about this app! Maybe that it is compatible with all the devices my kids use, or how easy it is to set up. But I have to say my favorite part is that my child does not need a phone number or a social media account to video chat with friends and family. This right here, creates a sense of safety using communications with my own children.
