Parents' Guide to

Messenger

Messenger Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Dana Anderson By Dana Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Teens connect instantly to contacts; best with guidance.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 17+

Based on 7 parent reviews

age 17+

age 17+

emergency

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (12 ):

Users will enjoy the instant connection and variety of messaging options that most people want and have come to expect from social media platforms. There are layers of features in Messenger that make the app easy to use, efficient, and fun. Recent efforts to make the app safer, especially for young users, through in-app pop-up warnings make it even more appealing. Connect with individuals or groups and send text, video messages, voice messages, photos, and GIFs. Make traditional voice-to-voice phone calls or video calls. Many of the app's features are similar to those of other messaging apps such as WhatsApp. The option to link an account to Facebook Pay and request or send friends money through messaging adds a level of convenience. The integration of this feature makes Messenger more of a one-stop shop when it comes to connecting with friends. It eliminates the need to switch apps to exchange money. The location sharing feature is also handy. No need to determine an address -- just share a pinned location. No need to send friends a text if changing locations or heading to the next fun event -- the timed live location sharing feature keeps friends in the loop as you move from place to place. Another feature that adds to the app's efficiency is the rooms feature, which allows users to create group video chats. Effects and backgrounds add an amusing touch to this pop-in video hangout. The screen broadcasting feature makes rooms even more versatile, allowing participants to share their screen, similar to what can be done using apps like Zoom or Google Meet.

Parents may want to encourage teens to use the secret conversation feature with caution. Although a timer can be set to determine the amount of time a message is visible before it is erased, it doesn't eliminate the possibility that the message will surface again. People could use loopholes, like screenshots, to preserve content. Although handy and convenient at times, location sharing also raises concerns and should be used with caution. Families should openly discuss the benefits and risks of location sharing and discuss best practices. Location information, camera, and notifications can be disabled. In addition, the same privacy concerns that exist with Facebook exist in Messenger, so review the frequently updated privacy policy. And while the alert that minors get when an unknown adult contacts them is helpful, it's not a foolproof safety measure in terms of kids contacting strangers.

App Details

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