Facebook is starting to test a new design for the Messenger Kids app to make it easier to use for kids to interact with their friends. Facebook is testing these new designs for the Messenger Kids app to kids using an iPhone in the U.S. and Canada, and it will also rolling out soon to more countries in the coming months, says Facebook.
What’s new in Messenger Kids app new design:
- Dedicated “Chat” and “Explore” navigation tabs at the bottom of the inbox to help kids easily switch between their conversations and in-app activities;
- A more intuitive Chat tab layout which brings the most recently active conversations to the top of the inbox;
- Media and message previews so kids can quickly see updates to their conversations;
- The ability to start a call with a “swipe” gesture straight from the inbox; and
- The option to choose a custom chat bubble color to personalize their 1:1 and group conversations.
“Messenger Kids is still the same app that kids love, with the same controls parents expect. Kids can still video chat with their friends, take silly photos with fun filters in the Messenger Kids camera and access the variety of single and multiplayer activities designed just for them.”
Also parents can still control their kids every activity through the Parent Dashboard including:
- Recent Contacts and Chat History: See who your child is chatting with, whether they are video chatting or sending messages and how frequently those conversations happened over the past 30 days.
- Log of Images in Chats: See the most recent photos and videos your child has sent and received in their inbox. If you believe an image or video is not appropriate for your child, you can remove it from your child’s message thread and report it.
- Reported and Blocked Contacts History: Access a list of the reporting and blocking actions your child has taken in the app. You’ll see a list of the contacts your child has blocked and/or unblocked if they have reported any messages as well as any contacts they’ve reported and the reason for their action. Parents will continue to be notified via Messenger if their child blocks or reports someone.
- Remote Device Logout: See all devices where your child is logged in to Messenger Kids and log out of the app on any device through the Parent Dashboard. (Note: This feature is not meant to control when kids have access to the app – try Sleep Mode for that.)
- Download Your Child’s Information: Request a copy of your child’s Messenger Kids information, similar to how you can download your own information within the Facebook app. The download will include a list of your child’s contacts as well as the messages, images, and videos they have sent and received. Your child will be notified through the Messenger Kids app when you request this information.
Source: Messenger Kids
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article at no cost to you, though all opinions are our own. For more information, please read our ethics statement. Please note that pricing and availability are subject to change.
