Alex Wright is a former Facebook employee and social media expert with over 15 years’ experience working in digital media. He has worked with some of the biggest organisations in the world and has a wealth of knowledge in understanding how social media platforms work and how they engage their audience.
See more from Alex WrightWhat Parents and Carers Need to Know about Facebook Messenger
This week's free online safety guide focuses on Facebook Messenger. It highlights a number of risks such as addiction, strangers and secret conversations.

A free online safety guide on Facebook Messenger.
Facebook Messenger is a communication app through which users can exchange messages and send photos, stickers, and video and audio files. Messenger allows both one-to-one and group chats, has a ‘stories’ feature and – via its latest addition, Rooms – can host a video call with up to 50 people. As of 2021, the app had 35 million users in the UK alone (more than half the population!) among its 1.3 billion users worldwide. Whereas Messenger is integrated into Facebook on desktops and laptops, it has existed as a standalone app for mobile devices since 2011.
In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as addiction, strangers and secret conversations.