Facebook pauses the whole"Instagram for kids" idea

Instagram is no longer working on a version of its app designed for kids under 13. The decision comes after a Wall Street Journal report that revealed company documents acknowledging the app's negative effect on teen girls.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, explained the move in a blog post: "While we stand by the need to develop this experience, we've decided to pause this project. This will give us time to work with parents, experts, policymakers and regulators, to listen to their concerns, and to demonstrate the value and importance of this project for younger teens online today."

Later in the statement, he wrote that many kids are already on Instagram and that a specific kid's version could make their experience better.

"It was never meant for younger kids, but for tweens (aged 10-12). It will require parental permission to join, it won't have ads, and it will have age-appropriate content and features. Parents can supervise the time their children spend on the app and oversee who can message them, who can follow them and who they can follow. "

Adam Mosseri

The US Senate will hold a hearing called "Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms" on Thursday, September 30th.