What is Facebook Messenger?
Messenger is Facebook's standalone chat app, now end-to-end encrypted by default for one-on-one conversations.
How does Facebook Messenger work?
Sign in with a Facebook account, message friends, accept message requests from strangers. Voice, video, and disappearing messages all supported.
What parents need to know
- End-to-end encryption means even Meta can't read DMs — so parental monitoring at the platform level is limited.
- Message requests from strangers land in a separate inbox kids often check.
- Disappearing messages are a common predator request.
Serious risks & safety concerns
Stranger DMs
Anyone with a Facebook profile can send a message request. Spoofed-age accounts are easy to make.
Encrypted by default
Server-side moderation is significantly weaker than non-encrypted alternatives.
Parental controls available
Set Messenger to friends-only via Facebook privacy controls. Meta's Family Center provides linked-teen reporting.
MyParentalControlsMyParentalControls
How MyParentalControls covers Facebook Messenger
MyParentalControls reads Messenger conversations on your child's PC — end-to-end encryption doesn't prevent monitoring on the endpoint device.
Bottom line
High school and up with friends-only message settings.
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