Facebook is considering creating another version of Instagram, a company owned by Facebook. The new version will be suitable for children under 13 years old.
BuzzFeed News first reported that Facebook announced in an internal company post that it would begin creating an Instagram version for people under the age of 13 to allow them to use the platform "safely" for first time. Currently the company does not allow persons under this age to create an account on the platform.
A Facebook spokesman told the Guardian that the company was exploring a parent-controlled version of Instagram, similar to the Messenger Kids app which is for kids between the ages of six and 12.
"More and more children are asking their parents if they can have apps that help them connect with friends. "Right now there are not many opportunities for parents, so we are working on building additional products that are suitable for children, managed by parents," said the spokesman.
In addition, this month, Instagram announced plans to introduce a new security feature, designed to keep teens under the age of 18 safe when using the app. The platform said it will soon stop people over the age of 18 from being able to text minors if they do not follow each other on Instagram.
