More than 100 children's advocates, civil society groups, and medical researchers wrote a letter to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg asking that the company discontinue its Messenger app for kids, citing concerns over the health and development risks it poses for children, The Washington Post reports. The groups write that it is irresponsible to extend social media use to young children and include research that suggests a link between elevated rates of depression and social media use among teens. Facebook’s Antigone Davis, global head of safety, said in a statement, “We worked to create Messenger Kids with an advisory committee of parenting and developmental experts, as well as with families themselves and in partnership with National PTA. We continue to be focused on making Messenger Kids the best experience it can be for families." (Registration may be required to access this story.)
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