eSAFETY GUIDE
Facebook Messenger logo

Messenger

13+
Minimum age according to Messenger
13+ Minimum age according to Messenger

What is Messenger?

Messenger, which was known as Facebook Messenger, is a messaging app that is accessible within Facebook[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/facebook] and owned by Meta[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/meta]. You can instant message, share photos, videos, audio recordings or create a group chat with your Facebook friends or phone contacts. You can also use Messenger to voice chat and video call your friends. 

You can also access Meta AI[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/meta-ai], an artificial intelligence chatbot, through Messenger's search function. Meta AI[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/meta-ai] can answer questions and search the internet.

Website: messenger.comExternal link[https://www.messenger.com/]

Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/messenger/id454638411?mt=8%C2%A0]

How do people use Messenger?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use messaging apps like Messenger.
Messenger is used for: content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/messaging-online-chat], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/photo-video-sharing], screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture], voice chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/voice-chat] and video calling[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/video-calling]. 

Facebook[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/facebook], linked to Messenger, is used for content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], live streaming[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/live-streaming], location sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/location-sharing], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/messaging-online-chat], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/photo-video-sharing] and screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture].

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

These links are provided by Messenger:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Messenger:

  • Privacy in MessengerExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/1064701417063145/?helpref=hc_fnav&bc[0]=Messenger%20App%20Help] 
    Learn how to protect your privacy on Messenger.
  • Privacy settingsExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/1064701417063145/?helpref=hc_fnav&bc[0]=691363354276356] 
    Learn how to make your account as secure as possible.  
  • Managing your accountExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/165294433944588/1033919196669390] 
    Manage your account settings. 
  • Meta AI chat historyExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/privacy/dialog/see-or-download-ai-chat-info]
    See or download your Meta AI chat history and learn more about the type of information Meta collects and how it uses this data.

These links are provided by Messenger:

  • Safety in MessengerExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/1064701417063145/?helpref=hc_fnav&bc[0]=691363354276356] 
    Learn how to stay safe on Messenger. 
  • Help CentreExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/?helpref=hc_global_nav%C2%A0] 
    Offers a range of general help, safety and security information.
  • Community StandardsExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards/] 
    Read Facebook’s official rules that outlines what is acceptable and not acceptable when using Facebook or Messenger. 
  • Data policyExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation/] 
    Outlines Facebook’s privacy policy guidelines.
  • Generative AI at MetaExternal link[https://www.facebook.com/privacy/guide/genai/]
    Outlines how messages are generated by Meta AI, including warnings that messages may be inaccurate and inappropriate.

Last updated: 11/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.