Parents
Staying Safe on Messenger
Keeping your child safe online
Setting privacy and safety controls
Messenger is a messaging app where your child can chat with friends and family, share photos or videos, and join group chats. While it can be a convenient way to stay connected, there are still risks. Understanding the controls available can help you guide them towards a safer online experience.
How can messaging on Messenger affect your child?
Messenger is designed for private conversations. Even though it has safety settings for younger users, your child may still receive messages that:
Make them 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 sometimes be harder for you to see when your child is experiencing harassment or unwanted contact. If messages start to make your child uncomfortable, it may be time to review their settings with them.
What are Messenger’s default protections for your child?
The minimum age to create a Messenger account in Singapore is 13 years old. Teen Accounts are accounts for users aged 13 to 17. These accounts automatically apply more protective settings to give younger users extra protection.
Settings to limit interactions with strangers
Only your child’s Facebook friends can message them directly
People who have uploaded your child’s phone number to their Facebook contacts can only send them a message request
Only your child’s Facebook friends can view their stories
Filters to reduce inappropriate content
Content from accounts that primarily share inappropriate content may be hidden and your child may not be able to message these accounts
How can you further protect your child on Messenger?
Even with default protections in place, you can add extra safeguards by reviewing settings together and agreeing on what safe usage looks like in your family.
Together, manage who can interact with you child by deciding on:
Who can message your child, view their stories or see their active status
Whether there are accounts your child should block or restrict
What else can you do when something does not feel right?
Sometimes, certain content or interactions may cause your child to feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
When that happens, let your child know that:
They do not have to respond or explain themselves
Saving screenshots can help if you or your child wants to report harmful behaviour
Blocking or reporting is okay
Talking to you or another trusted adult can help them decide what to do
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 how to help your child stay safe on Messenger:
Messenger App Help Centre: Find out more about Messenger’s features, managing your child’s account and protecting their privacy
Meta Safety Centre: Explore tips and resources to help your child navigate Meta platforms safely
You can also explore other online safety resources on our website for more advice on keeping your child safe online.