In today’s digital world, kids want to be part of the online conversation just as much as adults do—but as a parent, your top priority is safety. That’s where Messenger Kids comes in. It’s Facebook’s dedicated, child-friendly messaging app designed for kids under 13, giving them a safe space to chat, send photos, and make video calls—all under your supervision.
The best part? Setting it up takes less than five minutes. Whether your child wants to chat with their cousins, grandparents, or school friends, you can have Messenger Kids up and running in no time. Let’s walk through it step-by-step so you can get your little one connected securely.
Why Messenger Kids Is Different From Regular Messenger
Before we jump into the setup, it’s important to understand why Messenger Kids isn’t just a “smaller” version of the regular Messenger app.
- Parental Control – You approve every contact your child can chat with.
- No Phone Number Needed – It’s linked to your Facebook account, not your child’s phone number.
- Kid-Friendly Features – Fun filters, stickers, and drawing tools designed for kids.
- No Ads or In-App Purchases – They won’t be bombarded with ads or be tempted to buy anything.
This is essentially training wheels for online communication—a safe, controlled way for kids to learn digital etiquette.
Step 1: Download the Messenger Kids App
The app is free and available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play Store).
- Open the App Store or Google Play on your child’s device (or a shared family device).
- Search for Messenger Kids.
- Tap Install and wait for it to download.
💡 Pro Tip: Download it on a tablet for a bigger, more kid-friendly screen experience.
Step 2: Sign In With Your Facebook Account
Once the app is installed, open it. Instead of creating a new account for your child, you’ll sign in with your own Facebook account.
- Tap Sign In with Your Facebook Account.
- Enter your Facebook login details (don’t worry—your child won’t have access to your account).
- Review the privacy terms and tap Agree to continue.
This step connects Messenger Kids to your account so you can monitor it from your Parent Dashboard.
Step 3: Create Your Child’s Profile
Now it’s time to make your child’s profile inside Messenger Kids.
- Enter your child’s first and last name.
- Add a profile picture—either upload one or take a quick selfie of them.
- Tap Create Account.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a fun, clear picture so friends and family can easily recognize them.
Step 4: Approve Contacts
This is the most important part—deciding who your child can chat with.
From your Facebook app:
- Go to the Parent Dashboard (found in your settings under “Messenger Kids”).
- You’ll see your child’s name—tap it.
- Tap Choose Contacts.
- Select family members, close friends, or other kids you trust.
Kids can’t add people themselves—only you can approve new contacts.
Step 5: Customize Privacy and Safety Settings
Messenger Kids comes with several safety tools you can tweak to your comfort level:
- Sleep Mode – Set times when the app automatically turns off (e.g., during homework or bedtime).
- Chat History Review – Check who they’ve talked to and what was sent.
- Blocked Contacts – Instantly remove anyone you no longer want them chatting with.
💡 Pro Tip: Turn on “Notifications to Parents” so you get an alert if your child reports someone.
Step 6: Let Your Child Explore (Under Your Supervision)
Once setup is complete, hand the device over to your child and let them test it out. Encourage them to:
- Make their first video call to grandma.
- Send stickers to their cousins.
- Try the fun AR filters.
The key is to make it a positive, safe introduction to online communication.
The Setup Recap in 5 Minutes or Less
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick version:
- Download Messenger Kids from App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your Facebook account.
- Create your child’s profile with a name and photo.
- Approve contacts in your Parent Dashboard.
- Set privacy controls like Sleep Mode.
- Let them explore—and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re in control.
Why Parents Love Messenger Kids
Parents consistently praise Messenger Kids for these reasons:
- Peace of Mind – Total control over contacts.
- Safe Environment – No ads, no strangers, no risky content.
- Kid Engagement – Creative filters and stickers keep them entertained.
- Family Connection – Perfect for long-distance relatives.
It’s basically Facebook Messenger with a safety net, designed specifically for the next generation of digital natives.
Final Thoughts
Setting up Messenger Kids is not just about giving your child a way to chat—it’s about teaching them how to navigate digital communication responsibly. With full parental control, no ads, and fun features, it strikes the perfect balance between safety and enjoyment.
In just five minutes, you can open the door to meaningful, safe, and creative online conversations for your child—while staying in the driver’s seat the whole time.
FAQs
- Do I need a Facebook account to set up Messenger Kids?
Yes. You must have a Facebook account to manage your child’s Messenger Kids profile and approve contacts. Your child will not get their own Facebook account—just the Messenger Kids app. - Can my child message people who aren’t on Facebook?
No. Messenger Kids only works with contacts who have a Facebook or Messenger account that you’ve approved.