Parent fears over app

Facebook’s new Messenger Kids app allows children as young as six to communicate via a tablet or smartphone – either in groups, one-to-one video calls or through text messages and pictures.

It is aimed at children under 13.

It has been the subject of controversy in America where it is being trialled with US child health experts raising concerns about its potential risks to children and calling for its withdrawal.

Ahead of its anticipated UK launch, an online YouGov survey for Barnardo’s of 1,000 parents has revealed similar anxieties.

Ninety per cent of parents have concerns about their young children using the app, with 61% worried strangers could pose as their children’s friends and 57% worried their children could be bullied while using the service.

More than half (52%) expressed concern that the app’s security features would not be strict enough to protect their children online and a similar percentage (51%) were concerned children could use it to share inappropriate or explicit images.

Not surprisingly given these reservations 51% would not currently let their child use the app.

Our research shows many children who are groomed online are later sexually abused or exploited in the real world. Barnardo’s is not convinced by Facebook’s assertion that controls for the messaging app are stringent.

Not all parents will feel confident or have sufficient knowledge of the technology to keep their children safe when using the app, and we understand it can be hard to spot if a profile is genuine or a potential danger.

As our survey shows, parents are unconvinced there is a need for Messenger Kids, and we urge industry to listen to them. Steve Oversby, Director Barnardo’s East Region