"But we want to take the time to talk to parents and researchers and safety experts and get to more consensus on how to move forward," he added.
In a written statement he noted, "it's better for parents to have the option to give their children access to a version of Instagram that is designed for them".
Widely referred to by the unofficial name "Instagram Kids", the initiative has attracted criticism from various groups since reports of its development emerged earlier this year.
In May, a group of US senators wrote to Facebook urging the social media giant to halt its rollout, accusing it of a "clear record of failing to protect children on its platforms".
- 'Toxic effects on young people' -
Several US lawmakers signalled their approval of the pause, but some called for it to go further.
"A 'pause' is insufficient. Facebook must completely abandon this project," Senator Ed Markey tweeted.
Following the Journal revelations regarding potential harms linked to Facebook platforms, senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal announced a hearing Thursday focused on the question of protecting children on social media.
"This hearing will examine the toxic effects of Facebook and Instagram on young people and others, and... will ask tough questions about whether Big Tech companies are knowingly harming people and concealing that knowledge," Blumenthal wrote in a statement last week.
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