Facebook pauses Instagram Kids. Application in the heat of criticism

Instagram Kids was supposed to be a safe application for children aged 10-12, who, thanks to additional parental control functions, could avoid the dangers of the normal version of the website. So why are parents and children’s privacy advocates now boycotting the app?

Regular Instagram is targeted at people over the age of 13, which is why Facebook decided to create Instagram Kids so that children aged 10-12 can use it safely. In theory, thanks to this solution, as well as the functions that allow parental monitoring, the application was supposed to be child-friendly. It turned out, however, that Instagram, whether in the Kids version or the normal version, is not safe and youth-friendly at all.

Also read: China is taking another step in restricting children’s access to games

There are results of Facebook research on the impact of Instagram on the mental health of adolescents. Rather, it will not surprise anyone that the impact is rather negative. It has been known for a long time that the photos published on the website usually show an unreal, idealized image of the world and given people. The research shows that 32% of the teenagers surveyed feel even worse with their bodies after visiting Instagram. The conclusion is clear – teenagers with lowered self-esteem and a low sense of life satisfaction are more likely to say that Instagram only worsens their condition.

Instagram Kids suspended because Facebook disagrees with its research

The Wall Street Journal (if you do not have a subscription, you can also read the document on The Verge) reached the full results mentioned above, claiming that the company was aware of the problems but ignored them. It is thanks to their publication that you can fully learn about the disastrous impact of Instagram on the young generation. Facebook was flooded with criticism from both parents and those involved in children’s health. And it is hardly surprising, especially considering the response to this criticism:

We have to believe that parents would prefer their children to use an age-appropriate version of Instagram. However, we are not here to downplay their concerns, we need to fix that. […] We believe building Instagram Kids is right, but we’re holding it on hold.

Also read:

That’s why Instagram Kids has been suspended. The app is likely to come back, but now intensive consultations with parents, experts and regulators are underway. Facebook wants to show that despite the research results, this project is what teenagers need today.