5 Easy Steps to Set Up Messenger Kids

A screenshot of the Messenger Kids app interface
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With Messenger Kids, children under the age of 13 can enjoy the benefits of connecting with friends and family through a safe and secure platform. Setting up Messenger Kids is a quick and easy process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Parents can rest assured that their children’s privacy and well-being are being protected, as the app includes robust safety features and parental controls.

To begin, parents must download the Messenger Kids app from the App Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed, they will be prompted to create an account for their child. This account will be linked to the parent’s Facebook account, allowing them to manage their child’s Messenger Kids settings and contacts. Parents can then create a profile for their child, including a username, password, and profile picture.

Finally, parents can add contacts to their child’s Messenger Kids account. This can be done by searching for friends and family members who are also using the app or by entering their email addresses or phone numbers. Once contacts have been added, children can start sending messages, making video calls, and playing games with their approved contacts. Parents can monitor their child’s activity on Messenger Kids through the Parent Dashboard, which provides insights into their child’s contacts, messages, and screen time.

Creating a Messenger Kids Account

To create a Messenger Kids account, you’ll need your child’s first and last name, birthdate, and a parent’s Facebook account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Download the Messenger Kids App

Download the Messenger Kids app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and tap “Get Started.”
Enter Parent Information

You’ll be prompted to enter your Facebook login information. This will link your child’s Messenger Kids account to your own and allow you to manage their account settings and contacts.
Create Child’s Account

Fill out your child’s information, including first and last name and birthdate. You can also choose a profile picture for your child. Once all the information is entered, tap “Create Account.”
Add Contacts

After creating your child’s account, you’ll be asked to add contacts from your Facebook friends list. You can also invite other parents to join Messenger Kids so that their children can chat with your child.
Set Up Parental Controls

Once your child’s account is set up, you can access parental controls through the Messenger Kids app or the Messenger app on your own device. Parental controls allow you to manage your child’s contact list, set time limits, and monitor their activity.

Adding Child Contacts

To add a child contact in Messenger Kids, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Open the Messenger Kids App

To add a child contact, open the Messenger Kids app on your child’s device.

2. Tap the “Add Contact” Button

On the home screen of the app, tap the “Add Contact” button. This button is usually located in the top right corner of the screen. Once you tap this button, you will be presented with a list of options for adding contacts.

3. Scan a QR Code

If you have another device with Messenger Kids installed, you can scan the QR code on that device to add the child as a contact. To do this, tap the “Scan QR Code” option and hold your device up to the QR code on the other device. Once the code is scanned, the child will be added as a contact.

4. Enter a Parent Code

If you have a parent code for the child, you can enter it to add the child as a contact. To do this, tap the “Enter Parent Code” option and enter the code in the field provided. Once the code is entered, the child will be added as a contact.

5. Send a Request

If the child you want to add is not already using Messenger Kids, you can send them a request to join. To do this, tap the “Send Request” option and enter the child’s name and email address. The child will receive an email with a link to join Messenger Kids.

Setting Up Parental Controls

Once you’ve created your child’s Messenger Kids account, you can set up parental controls to manage their activity and ensure their safety on the app.

Privacy Settings

Control who your child can chat with and see on Messenger Kids. You can choose to allow them to only connect with contacts you approve, or to allow them to connect with anyone who requests to chat.

Activity Monitoring

Keep an eye on your child’s Messenger Kids activity by enabling activity monitoring. You’ll be able to see a list of their recent conversations, contacts, and any photos or videos they’ve shared.

Screen Time Limits

Set limits on how much time your child can spend on Messenger Kids each day. You can choose to block access to the app during certain hours, or to limit their usage to a specific number of minutes per day. You can also set up reminders to encourage your child to take breaks from the app.

Other Controls

In addition to the above, you can also set up the following parental controls:

Block specific contacts
Report inappropriate content
Delete your child’s account

Setting	Description
Privacy Settings	Control who your child can chat with and see on Messenger Kids.
Activity Monitoring	Keep an eye on your child’s Messenger Kids activity.
Screen Time Limits	Set limits on how much time your child can spend on Messenger Kids each day.
Other Controls	Block specific contacts, report inappropriate content, and delete your child’s account.

Managing Screen Time

Setting appropriate screen time limits for your child is crucial to ensure a healthy balance between their digital and offline activities. Messenger Kids offers several features to help you manage screen time:

1. Setting Daily Limits

You can set daily screen time limits for your child through the Messenger Kids app. Choose the appropriate time and days of the week when your child can access the app.

2. Receive Notifications

Enable notifications to receive alerts when your child reaches their daily screen time limit. This will help you keep track of their usage and remind them to take breaks.

3. Bedtime Mode

Set a bedtime mode to prevent your child from using the app during specific hours, typically around bedtime. This feature ensures your child gets a good night’s sleep and limits screen time before bedtime.

4. Detailed Screen Time Reports

Access detailed screen time reports from the Messenger Kids app. These reports provide a comprehensive breakdown of your child’s usage, including the time spent in the app, the number of messages sent, and the contacts they interacted with. By analyzing these reports, you can identify patterns and adjust screen time limits accordingly.

Screen Time Management Feature	Description
Daily Limits	Sets specific screen time limits for each day of the week.
Notifications	Alerts parents when the daily screen time limit is reached.
Bedtime Mode	Prevents app usage during specified bedtime hours.
Screen Time Reports	Provides detailed reports on app usage, including time spent, messages sent, and contacts interacted with.

Monitoring Child Activity

Parental monitoring is a crucial aspect of Messenger Kids to ensure children’s online safety. Parents can supervise their child’s activity through various features within the app.

Contact List Management

Parents have complete control over their child’s contact list. They can approve or block contacts manually, ensuring that their child interacts only with trusted individuals.

Activity Report

The Activity Report provides detailed insights into a child’s activity on Messenger Kids. Parents can access a record of messages, calls, and approved contacts. This report can be accessed at any time to monitor a child’s communication and ensure it aligns with parental guidelines.

Location Tracking (Optional)

With the parent’s consent, Messenger Kids allows location tracking. Parents can set up designated safe zones and receive notifications if their child leaves or enters predefined areas. This feature provides peace of mind and ensures children’s safety in the real world.

Screen Time Management

Messenger Kids offers customizable screen time limits to help parents balance their child’s online and offline activities. Parents can set daily or weekly limits, ensuring their child does not spend excessive time on the app.

Content Filtering

Messenger Kids employs automatic content filtering to prevent inappropriate content from reaching children. Parents can also report any concerning content or contacts to the Messenger Kids team for further review and action.

Feature	Description
Contact List Management	Parents control who their child can contact and be contacted by.
Activity Report	Provides a record of messages, calls, and contacts for parental review.
Location Tracking (Optional)	Allows parents to monitor their child’s location within designated safe zones.
Screen Time Management	Limits the amount of time a child can spend on the app.
Content Filtering	Prevents inappropriate content from reaching children and allows parents to report concerns.

Using Fun Features

Messenger Kids includes a variety of fun features to keep kids entertained and engaged while they chat with their friends.

Masks, Effects, and GIFs

Kids can add masks, effects, and GIFs to their photos and videos to make them more fun and expressive. To access these features, simply tap on the “camera” icon in the chat window.

Games

Messenger Kids also includes a variety of games that kids can play with their friends. To access the games, tap on the “games” icon in the chat window.

Drawing Tools

Kids can use the drawing tools to draw pictures and send them to their friends. To access the drawing tools, tap on the “draw” icon in the chat window.

Custom Stickers

Kids can create their own custom stickers to use in their chats. To create a custom sticker, tap on the “stickers” icon in the chat window and then tap on the “create” button.

Effects Library

The effects library contains a variety of effects that kids can add to their photos and videos. To access the effects library, tap on the “effects” icon in the chat window.

Supervised Fun

Parents can supervise their child’s use of Messenger Kids by setting limits on the features that they can access. To set limits, go to the “Settings” tab in the Messenger Kids app and tap on the “Limits” section.

Feature	Description
Mask	Kids can add a mask to their face that moves with them
Effects	Kids can add effects to their photos and videos, such as filters, stickers, and text
GIFs	Kids can add GIFs to their chats
Games	Kids can play games with their friends
Drawing Tools	Kids can draw pictures and send them to their friends
Custom Stickers	Kids can create their own custom stickers
Effects Library	The effects library contains a variety of effects that kids can add to their photos and videos
Supervised Fun	Parents can supervise their child’s use of Messenger Kids by setting limits on the features that they can access

Keeping Kids Safe Online

As parents, it’s essential to prioritize our children’s online safety. Here are some tips to keep them protected while using Messenger Kids:

1. Set up parental controls

Enable parental controls to monitor your child’s activity, block inappropriate contacts, and set time limits.

2. Establish clear guidelines

Discuss online safety with your child and set clear rules about what they can and cannot do. Emphasize the importance of being respectful and never sharing personal information.

3. Talk to your child

Have open and honest conversations about online risks, such as cyberbullying, strangers, and inappropriate content. Let them know they can come to you with any concerns.

4. Use privacy settings

Configure Messenger Kids’ privacy settings to limit who can contact your child, view their profile, and share content.

5. Monitor their activity

Regularly check your child’s Messenger Kids activity, including recent messages, contacts, and game play. This helps you stay informed about their online interactions.

6. Set time limits

Establish time limits for your child’s Messenger Kids usage to prevent excessive screen time and ensure they have a balanced life.

7. Educate yourself

Stay up-to-date on the latest online safety trends and resources. Familiarize yourself with the features and settings of Messenger Kids and other social media platforms your child may use.

Safety Feature	How it Works
Parental Controls	Allows parents to monitor and manage their child’s activity.
Time Limits	Sets limits on how long your child can use the app each day.
Privacy Settings	Controls who can contact your child and view their profile.
Contact Approvals	Requires parental approval before your child can connect with new people.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you encounter any issues while setting up Messenger Kids, here are some common problems and solutions:

1. I can’t create an account for my child

Ensure you’re using a parent account and the child is between the ages of 6 and 12.

2. I don’t receive a confirmation code

Check your phone number, email address, and spam folder for the code.

3. My child’s name is incorrect

You can edit the child’s name by going to the “Account Settings” page.

4. I can’t find Messenger Kids in the App Store or Google Play

Messenger Kids is only available for download in approved countries.

5. My child’s device doesn’t meet the system requirements

Messenger Kids requires iOS 10 or higher for iPads and iPhones.

6. I need to delete my child’s account

Contact Facebook Support to request the deletion.

7. My child’s messages are not being delivered

Check if your child has been blocked or reported by other users.

8. I have other questions or issues

Support Resources
Messenger Kids Help Center
Facebook Support

Deleting a Messenger Kids Account

If you need to delete your child’s Messenger Kids account, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Open the Messenger Kids app on your child’s device.

2. Tap on the parent dashboard icon in the top left corner of the screen.

3. Enter your password.

4. Tap on the “Account” tab.

5. Scroll down and tap on the “Delete Account” button.

6. Tap on the “Delete Account” button again to confirm.

7. Your child’s Messenger Kids account will now be deleted.

8. You will receive an email confirmation once the account has been deleted.

9. Please note that once an account is deleted, it cannot be recovered.

If you are having trouble deleting your child’s Messenger Kids account, you can contact Facebook for help. You can reach Facebook by phone at 1-866-838-5755 or by email at support@messengerkids.com.

Parent Dashboard Menu Items	Description
Contacts	Manage your child’s contacts
Activity	View your child’s activity, including messages, calls, and posts
Settings	Manage your child’s account settings
Delete Account	Delete your child’s Messenger Kids account

Staying Informed about Updates

To stay up-to-date on the latest features and updates for Messenger Kids, follow these steps:

1. Open the Messenger Kids App: Launch the Messenger Kids app on your child’s device.

2. Tap on the “More” Tab: In the bottom-right corner of the screen, tap on the “More” tab.

3. Scroll Down and Select “Settings”: Scroll down the “More” tab and select the “Settings” option.

4. Tap on “Updates”: Under the “Help & Support” section, tap on the “Updates” button.

5. Check for Available Updates: Messenger Kids will automatically check for any available updates.

6. Install Updates if Available: If an update is available, the “Download Update” button will be enabled. Tap on it to download and install the latest update.

7. Stay Informed: If no updates are available, you will see a message indicating that your child’s Messenger Kids app is up-to-date.

Additional Tips:

8. Enable Automatic Updates: To ensure that your child’s Messenger Kids app is always updated, you can enable automatic updates in the “Settings” menu under the “Updates” section.
9. Set Up Notifications: You can set up notifications to be alerted when new updates are available for Messenger Kids.
10. Check the Messenger Kids Website: The Messenger Kids website provides updates and information about the latest features and improvements. Visit the website regularly to stay informed.

How To Set Up Messenger Kids

Messenger Kids is a messaging app designed for children ages 6-12. It allows kids to chat with friends and family, send photos and videos, and play games. Messenger Kids is designed to be safe and easy for kids to use, and it includes a number of features to help parents keep their children safe online.

To set up Messenger Kids, you’ll need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to create an account for your child. You’ll need to provide your child’s name, age, and email address. You’ll also need to create a parent account so that you can manage your child’s account.

Once you’ve created an account, you can start adding contacts to your child’s account. You can add contacts from your own phone’s address book or by searching for friends by their name or email address. You can also approve contacts that your child requests to add.

Messenger Kids is a great way for kids to stay connected with friends and family. It’s safe and easy to use, and it includes a number of features to help parents keep their children safe online.