Facebook temporarily suspends the development of Instagram Kids

The Facebook group has just announced the temporary halt in the development of Instagram Kids. The company wishes to set up educational and awareness-raising workshops on the social network in order to respond to certain issues.

The children’s version of his social network is on hiatus. Before continuing to develop Instagram Kids, the Facebook group would like to respond to criticism surrounding its project. Indeed, many detractors point to the dangers of such an application that could jeopardize the mental health of the youngest. On his Twitter account, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri expresses his willingness to communicate with parents and specialists.

Facebook and Instagram would represent a danger for the youngest

The goal of Instagram Kids is to offer the youngest a version of the application dedicated to them. The group justifies this choice by several points. Children have an increasingly younger phone, and despite the age limit posted on social networks access sometimes inappropriate content. The project, revealed last March, sparked an uproar from experts and parents’ associations. In long Wall Street Journal investigation, it is brought to light that Instagram seems to be aware of being harmful to a part of its female audience.

We’re pausing “Instagram Kids.” This was a tough decision. I still think building this experience is the right thing to do, but we want to take more time to speak with parents and experts working out how to get this right. pic.twitter.com/gMbPjft0CW

– Adam Mosseri 😷 (@mosseri) September 27, 2021

While waiting for the resumption of the development of its software, Instagram wishes to multiply the tools to protect its younger users. The social network prohibits adults from sending private messages to minors. In a more developed blog post, Adam Mosseri wants to better communicate his intentions to the parties concerned. Last May, 44 states called on Facebook to abandon the project. Here again, among the arguments put forward, the rise of social networks would create ” an increase in psychological distress and suicidal behavior among young people. The two parties wish to build a dialogue around the issue.

Source: Instagram