How to choose Messenger or Messenger Kids
Messenger is Meta’s messaging app from age 13. Messenger Kids is a separate app for younger children that parents create and manage. Check which app is actually on the phone — the icons look similar.
In short
Under 13: consider Messenger Kids with approved contacts. Teen: Meta Family Center gives time and some settings — not reading all messages. Agree rules for group chats and strangers. Video calls can include people your child does not know from the group.
1
Which app do they use?
Messenger Kids has its own icon and requires parent setup. Regular Messenger needs a Facebook account or phone number and is for 13+. Ask your child which app they use — some have both.
2
Messenger Kids
You create the account and approve each contact. You can see contacts and report content. They cannot message new people without your approval. Review the contact list regularly — friends change schools and hobbies.
3
Teen Messenger and Family Center
Family Center shows time on Messenger and Instagram — not message text. Review privacy: who can message, group invites and calls. Turn off «active status» if you want to limit who sees when your child is online.
4
Group chats and strangers
Groups can invite people your child does not know well. Agree to say stop if someone wants to move the chat to Snapchat, Discord or SMS. Also agree they leave a group if the content becomes unpleasant.
For grooming or threats: police 114, SletDet or Childline 116 111. Save chat history if you need to report — screenshots can help before messages are deleted.
Related checks
All checks →Interactive checks that fit what you are reading about here.
Privacy Exposure Checker
Review what personal information may be visible or easy to piece together online.
Is the message or offer a scam?
Your child got something odd — a link, an offer or a request. We guide you through the assessment.
Parental Control Checker
See whether parental controls are set up and working as expected.
More help in Denmark
If you need someone to talk to, use these — they are free, and they take parents and children.
- SletDet counselling 29 27 01 01
Save the Children’s free counselling in Denmark for children, young people and parents facing bullying, image sharing, hacking and other harmful experiences online. Call 29 27 01 01. You do not need everything sorted before you call.
- Parents’ Helpline 35 55 55 57
Børns Vilkår. Free, anonymous counselling for parents and relatives in Denmark on 35 55 55 57. They take calls about screens, conflict and online problems.
- Media Council for Children and Young People
Public guidance in Denmark on children, young people and digital media. Advice on age, content and parent conversations — without sales language.
Sources
Meta
Messenger Kids parental controlsMeta
Meta Family CenterSletDet counselling
SletDet counsellingParents’ Helpline
Parents’ HelplineMedia Council for Children and Young People
Media Council for Children and Young People