Facebook Messenger

What is Facebook Messenger?

Facebook Messenger is Meta’s messaging app, linked to Facebook but also usable as a standalone app. It offers text, voice, and video calls, group chats, stories, games, payments, and end-to-end encrypted chats (opt-in). There is also Messenger Kids — a separate, parent-supervised version for children under 13. Messenger can be used to contact anyone on Facebook or via phone number.

Age limit: 13 years (Messenger Kids is available for children under 13 with parental approval).

Why do kids like it?

• Group chats for school projects and friend groups. A practical way to collaborate and stay in touch.
• Video calls. Easy to call friends and family with video.
• Games within chat. Built-in games that can be played right inside the conversation.
• GIFs and stickers. Fun and visual ways to communicate.
• Family connection. Many use it because their parents are already on Facebook.
• Cross-platform. Messenger can now be used without a Facebook account.
• Messenger Kids. Parents see it as a safer option for younger children.

What are the real risks?

• Contact from strangers. Anyone on Facebook can message by default. Message requests can come from unknown people.
• Message requests from non-friends. These end up in a separate inbox that children may not be aware of, but which still contains messages from strangers.
• Links and scams in messages. Phishing attempts and scams are common, including through hacked accounts of known contacts.
• Disappearing messages. The feature can be used to hide conversations. Recipients can still take screenshots.
• Group chats with unknown people. Children can be added to groups where they don’t know all the participants.
• Screen recording of “secret” conversations. End-to-end encrypted chats are not protected against screenshots or recordings.
• Messenger Rooms. Video rooms shareable via link — anyone with the link can join.
• Data collection. Messenger collects significant amounts of user data.
• Phishing and social engineering. Messages that look like they come from friends or official sources may be attempts to deceive.

Settings to check

1. Who can message you: Settings → Privacy → set “Who can send you messages” to “Friends” or “Friends of friends”.
2. Ignore or block unknown message requests: Show your child how to handle message requests from unknown people.
3. Enable end-to-end encryption for sensitive conversations using the “Secret conversation” feature.
4. Review active sessions: Settings → Security → Active Sessions. Log out of any unrecognised devices.
5. Disable link previews to prevent potentially harmful content from loading automatically.
6. For younger children — use Messenger Kids: The parental dashboard lets you approve contacts, view messages, and set sleep mode.

How to talk about it

“Who messages you on Messenger? Is there anyone you don’t know?”

“Have you received message requests from strangers? What do you do with them?”

“Are you in any group chats where you don’t know everyone?”

“Do you understand the difference between regular messages and encrypted conversations?”

“Would Messenger Kids be a better option for you right now?”

Last reviewed: March 2026