Simply disable the ‘access to my location’ option. On most devices location services can be found in the phone settings. Parents may want to disable location services on their child’s device to avoid any potential risk.

This is done using GPS technology available on most devices now.

The Messenger app allows users to send other users their location in message. There are some other risks more specific to the Messenger app which parents should be also be aware of: To help avoid these problems, the same rules should apply to all online interactions for young people only share data with those who you trust in real life, think before you click and report any inappropriate data or messages to a trusted adult. Some of the more common risks include cyberbullying, experiencing or sharing inappropriate content and chatting with strangers. With all other similar messaging apps, there are some risks and things to watch out for. The app can sync with your phone contacts as well as with your current friend list on Facebook. This information includes friends list, profile picture, etc. Users have the option of setting up Messenger using their Facebook account or with their telephone number (similar to Whatsapp, Viber, ooVoo etc.) If you choose to set-up an account with your Facebook profile, Messenger takes information from your Facebook profile to set up your Messenger profile. Users simply download the app to their mobile/tablet device the app can also be used on desktop. For younger Messenger users ‘Stickers’ are a popular function within the app.

Messenger download apps