Messenger Kids is now available on the Amazon Appstore, meaning children can now use the latest Facebook app on their Amazon Fire Tablet. The Fire Tablet is seen as a child-friendly tablet thanks to its durability and affordability. So this is a sensible decision by Facebook.
Facebook launched Messenger Kids in December as an app aimed at children aged between six and 12. This is because Kids under 13 aren't legally allowed to sign up for a Facebook account. Messenger Kids was initially only available on iOS, but it's now available on Amazon too.
A Child-Friendly Version of Facebook
For the uninitiated amongst you, Messenger Kids is essentially Facebook for tweens. It's a child-friendly version of Facebook that "lets kids connect with people they love but also has the level of control parents want". Because we all want our kids connecting with people online, obviously.
Parents are given complete control over the app; downloading it, signing in using their own Facebook login details, and even managing contacts. There's one-on-one group chat, child-friendly masks, emojis, and GIFs, and the ability for kids to send photos, videos, and messages.
While it was exclusively available on iOS at launch, Facebook stated it would be coming to Android and Amazon. And, as noticed by TechCrunch, it has now arrived on Amazon. Unfortunately for our international readers (between the ages of six and 12!) it's still only available in the U.S.
Facebook Wants to Hook Them Young
Messenger Kids garnered a mixed response at launch. Some parents welcomed the chance to introduce children to the world of social networking in a controlled environment. However, other parents felt this was just an attempt to hook children into using Facebook at a young age.
Launching Messenger Kids on the Amazon Appstore is unlikely to change these parents' minds. In fact, given the number of parents who have bought Fire Tablets for their children it's only going to make more children badger their parents until they download and install the app.
What do you think of Messenger Kids? Will you be letting your child use the app? Or would you prefer they stay off social networking sites completely until they're 13? Do you or your children own an Amazon Fire Tablet? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!