Facebook criticised after pressing ahead with plans to create an Instagram for children

Campaigners have criticised Facebook over plans to introduce an “Instagram for children”, claiming it could damage their health and privacy.

A spokesperson for the social media giant said last month that the company was exploring a parent-controlled version of Instagram, similar to the Messenger Kids app that is for kids between six and 12.

This week, the Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood has penned an open letter to Facebook signed by 99 groups and individuals denouncing the idea.

It says the “image-obsessed” platform would be unhealthy for a generation which needs time to “play, learn, and socialise away from digital devices”.

The letter also points out that under-13s are already using Instagram and would be unlikely to “abandon it for a new site that seems babyish”.

“The real target of Instagram for kids will be much younger children,” the letter reads.

“Instagram’s focus on photo-sharing and appearance makes the platform particularly unsuitable for children who are in the midst of crucial stages of developing their sense of self.

“Children and teens (especially young girls) have learned to associate overly sexualised, highly edited photos of themselves with more attention on the platform, and popularity among their peers.”

Facebook is under pressure to introduce stricter age verification processes but says the new platform will be “managed by parents”.

A spokesperson for the company told BBC News: “Kids are already online, and want to connect with their family and friends, have fun, and learn.

“We want to help them do that in a safe and age-appropriate way, and find practical solutions to the ongoing industry problem of kids lying about their age to access apps.

“We’re working on new age verification methods to keep under-13s off Instagram, and have just started exploring an Instagram experience for kids that is age-appropriate and managed by parents.

“We agree that any experience we develop must prioritise their safety and privacy, and we will consult with experts in child development, child safety and mental health, and privacy advocates to inform it.

“We also won’t show ads in any Instagram experience we develop for people under the age of 13.”