A buddy list, a feature of many instant messaging (IM) programs, may also be referred to as contact lists or friend lists. A buddy list shows the screen names of friends, family, and co-workers whom you have added as contacts. After a contact has been added to your buddy list, you can see if that individual is currently online or offline. In most cases, you can also see how long a contact has been online and if they are away from the computer (idle).

One important thing to remember about buddy lists is the account owner is the only individual who can add or delete contacts from his or her buddy list. Unless a child or teen’s account has been compromised, he or she has added each and every contact listed.