Digital Workspace

Facebook Launches Communication App with K–12 Students in Mind

A new messaging tool can give educators another option for student communication and collaboration.

Meghan Bogardus Cortez

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Meghan is an associate editor with EdTech. She enjoys coffee, cats and science fiction TV.

Facebook's latest tool has internet safety for youngsters in mind. Facebook announced in early December that their new Messenger Kids app would allow trusted adults to sign up kids as young as six for the text and video messaging platform that works on tablets and smartphones, EdSurge reports.

Though the app is aimed at kids much younger than the minimum age to join the platform (13), Facebook has worked to make sure the app follows the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule.

The social media giant also worked with groups like the National PTA to make sure they were creating a safe way for students to engage in conversation on the devices they are already using.

While the app could prove to be useful in the classroom, it is fully run by parental approval.

"Messenger Kids gives parents more control," reads the blog post announcing the app. "Parents fully control the contact list and kids can't connect with contacts that their parents don't approve."