Youths (under 18)
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. It is a great way to stay connected, but messages can sometimes feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Knowing how to adjust your settings can help you stay safe online.
How can messaging on Messenger affect you?
Messenger is designed for private conversations. Even though it has safety settings for younger users, 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 harder to deal with situations like harassment or unwanted contact. If you find yourself in such a situation, then it may be time to adjust your settings to protect yourself.
What are Messenger’s default protections for younger users?
The minimum age to create an Instagram 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 Facebook friends can message you directly
People who have uploaded your phone number to their Facebook contacts can only send you a message request
Only your Facebook friends can view your stories
Filters to reduce inappropriate content
Content from accounts that often share inappropriate content may be hidden and interactions with these accounts may be limited
How can you further protect yourself on Messenger?
Even with these protections in place, you may still want more control over who can interact with you and what happens in your chats.
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
Talking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or counsellor, can help you figure out next steps
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.