Facebook Messenger is the all-time second most downloaded software from the App Store (behind only its parent platform, Facebook itself). Discounting China – where the app remains banned – almost one in every five people on the planet who is old enough (and a good few who aren’t) to use Messenger does use it. Among the estimated 260 million new conversations that start on Messenger every day, however, are occasionally the sort of exchanges that would give parents and carers cause for concern. Contact from strangers. Hurtful taunts from online bullies. Encrypted chats only visible on certain devices. Check out the online safety guide to the potential risks of Facebook Messenger.
Millennials are Messenger’s largest audience group, with the 25–34 age bracket comprising around a third (32%) of the app’s user-base. That’s not to say it’s unpopular with youngsters, however. Back in 2017, Facebook tried to launch a version for under-12s – Messenger Kids – but it was met with negative feedback: particularly in the UK, where it remains unavailable. Users as young as 13 (and in all probability, many who are even younger) having access to an app which lets them chat privately with each other, exchange photos and potentially be contacted by older people who they don’t know brings its own obvious issues. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide this week highlights the aspects of Messenger that trusted adults need to be aware of
