Facebook is reportedly planning a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13.

The company – which launched Messenger Kids in 2017 – is said to be keen to focus on creating a version of the social media platform which will allow preteens to “safely use Instagram for the first time”.

According to BuzzFeed news, Instagram’s vice president of product Vishal Shash wrote on an employee message board: “I’m excited to announce that going forward, we have identified youth work as a priority for Instagram and have added it to our H1 priority list.

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“We will be building a new youth pillar within the Community Product Group to focus on two things:

“(a) accelerating our integrity and privacy work to ensure the safest possible experience for teens and (b) building a version of Instagram that allows people under the age of 13 to safely use Instagram for the first time.”

As it stands at the moment, anyone under the age of 13 can’t use the photo sharing platform.

Although Facebook hasn’t confirmed the full details of the record, a representative has opened up on its general plans.

They said in a statement: “Increasingly kids are asking their parents if they can join apps that help them keep up with their friends.

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“Right now there aren’t many options for parents, so we’re working on building additional products – like we did with Messenger Kids – that are suitable for kids, managed by parents.

“We’re exploring bringing a parent-controlled experience to Instagram to help kids keep up with their friends, discover new hobbies and interests, and more.”