Secret conversations: what next?
Secret Conversations echoes features other apps, such as Snapchat, have had for some time, but there are safety implications for parents to consider if your child has a Facebook account.
Legally, they can sign up for the service from the age of 13. This means children will be able to have completely private conversations with anyone they are friends with on Facebook. The main difference between this and the previous ‘direct messaging’ feature is that these conversations cannot be accessed on devices other than the one the conversation is created on.
Some parents of younger children only allow them to open a Facebook account in return for knowing their password so they can monitor what they are doing in the app. If this is you, you should be aware that this feature means that children could be having private conversations on their phones that you will never see if you log into their account on another device.
One other thing to note is that if someone sends your child something that upsets them, the messages will disappear. Facebook says it can decrypt communications (up to 30 of the most recent messages in a Secret Conversation)to check the content if you contact its Help Team to report them.
But if someone has been cyberbullying your child, for example, it looks like they will have to remember to screenshot the message to provide proof of what was said, unless they think to report it pretty much immediately.
As ever, one of the best things you can do to keep your child safe using any social media app, or when going online in general, is to talk to them about the possible safety implications of the platforms they are using. Teach them how to block users they don't want to talk to, and encourage them to come to you or an adult they trust if anyone they talk to online does anything to make them feel upset or uncomfortable.
To read Facebook's advice about Secret Conversations and discover how to report posts when using it, click here.
Spot something that doesn't look quite right? You can emaillibrarian@parentzone.org.ukto submit comments and feedback.
This article was last updated on 07/06/23.
