Adults
Staying Safe on Messenger
Staying safe online
Setting privacy and safety controls
Messenger is a messaging app where you can chat with friends and family, share photos or videos, and join group chats. While it can be a convenient way to stay connected, it is important to know how to adjust your settings to protect your privacy, security and wellbeing.
How can messaging on Messenger affect you?
Messenger is designed for private conversations.
Even though it has safety measures in place, you may still receive messages that:
Make you feel uncomfortable or pressured
Contain rude, abusive or threatening language
Ask for personal data or photos
Come from strangers trying to start a conversation
Because messages are private, it may feel more difficult to deal with situations like harassment or unwanted contact. If you find yourself in such a situation, then it is a sign to adjust your settings to protect yourself.
How can you protect yourself on Messenger?
Review your settings to manage who can contact you and what happens in your conversations.
You can:
Choose who can message you, view your stories or see your active status
What else can you do when something does not feel right?
Sometimes, certain messages or interactions may cause discomfort and make you feel unsafe.
When that happens, remember:
You do not have to respond or explain yourself
Saving screenshots can help if you want to report harmful behaviour
Blocking or reporting is okay
Getting support early can prevent things from getting worse
Where can you learn more about Messenger’s safety tools?
Visit these resources to find out more about staying safe on Messenger:
Messenger App Help Centre: Find out more about Messenger’s features, managing your account and protecting your privacy
Meta Safety Centre: Explore tips and resources to help you navigate Meta platforms safely.
You can also explore other online safety resources on our website for more advice on staying safe online.