eSAFETY GUIDE

Messenger Kids

6+
Years according to Messenger Kids with parent supervision
6+ Years according to Messenger Kids with parent supervision

What is Messenger Kids?

Messenger Kids is a free video calling and messaging app owned by Facebook. It is aimed at children under 13 years and is designed for parents to monitor and control. It allows kids to send messages and make one-on-one or group video calls using features like stickers, GIFs, drawing tools, filters, reactions and sound effects.

Parents can monitor their child’s activity and control their contact list by using the Parent Dashboard. They can also send messages to Messenger Kids from Messenger, without having to download both apps.

Messenger Kids requires a parent or guardian to sign up on a child’s behalf and does not require a Facebook account. Messenger Kids does not show advertising or offer in-app purchases. Messenger Kids does not incorporate Meta AI, an artificial intelligence chatbot available in Meta services such as Messenger. 

Website: messengerkids.com/

Apps: Android, Apple iOS

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use audio/video calling and messaging apps like Messenger Kids.

Messenger Kids is used for: content sharing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture, video calling and voice chat.

Messenger Kids can be used to communicate with adults using Messenger.

Messenger is used for: content sharing, messaging/online chat, photo/video sharing, screen capture, voice chat and video calling.

How can I help my child report a user or content, or block someone?

These links are provided by Facebook:

  • Report a user 
    Help your child report a user in Messenger Kids.
  • Report a message
    Help your child report a message they do not feel comfortable with in Messenger Kids.
  • Blocking
    Instructions on how to block someone in Messenger Kids.

How can you protect your child’s personal information?

These links are provided by Facebook:

  • Privacy Policy
    Learn how Messenger Kids handles your child’s personal information.
  • Privacy Policy for kids
    See what information your child receives about the Messenger Kids privacy policy.
  • Privacy and Safety
    Learn how to keep your child as safe as possible when using Messenger Kids.
  • Parent Dashboard
    How to manage your child’s Messenger Kids account from the Parent Dashboard.
  • Monitor Images
    Learn how to view recently sent photos and videos in your child’s activity log.

Key safety links

These links are provided by Facebook:

  • Terms of Service
    Understand the terms you agree to by using Messenger Kids.
  • Help Centre
    Offers a range of safety information and general guidance for Messenger Kids.
  • Illegal content
    Advice on what to do if you encounter illegal or abhorrent material in Messenger Kids.

Last updated: 18/06/2024

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 parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.