Facebook's Messenger for Kids app will have a sleep mode and let you add another parent

Last year Facebook’s Messenger app for kids was announced as an app which let parents keep an eye on their children while still using Facebook.

“In addition to our research with thousands of parents, we’ve engaged with over a dozen expert advisors in the areas of child development, online safety and children’s media and technology who’ve helped inform our approach to building our first app for kids,” Facebook’s Loren Cheng wrote then, “We’ve also had thought-provoking conversations around topics of responsible online communication, parental controls and much more with organizations like National PTA and Blue Star Families, where we heard firsthand how parents and caregivers approach raising children in today’s digitally connected world.”

The firm is adding support for more features to allow parents to keep tabs on their children. One of which lets users add a new Guardian so another adult or authorised person can manage their child’s account and help add new connections.

Another is a sleep mode which prevents the app from being used between specific times, enforcing a good night’s sleep;

Facebook's Messenger for Kids will let you add an additional parent or guardian

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— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) April 23, 2018

Facebook's Messenger for Kids has a 'Sleep mode'

h/t @wongmjane pic.twitter.com/kwa8MLOEpt

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) April 23, 2018

Here's the settings menu for Messenger for Kids 'Sleep mode'

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— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) April 23, 2018

Facebook’s Messenger for kids was criticised by childcare experts, saying that the app was simply a gateway drug of sorts, introducing kids to Facebook at a young age.

“Since we launched in December we’ve heard from parents around the country that Messenger Kids has helped them stay in touch with their children and has enabled their children to stay in touch with family members near and far,” Facebook said.