NGL
NGL
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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? NGL (Not Gonna Lie) is an anonymous messaging app that lets users receive questions or messages from others without knowing who sent them. It’s often linked to Instagram or Snapchat, where users share their NGL link to invite anonymous feedback, compliments, or questions. While it promotes “positive vibes,” it has also been associated with bullying and inappropriate content. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Access to Inappropriate Content Despite promoting a positive image, NGL’s anonymous format means users can receive crude, mean, or even explicit messages, with little consequence for the sender. Some users report receiving disturbing or sexual content, even if they haven't widely shared their link. 💬 Direct Messaging and Anonymity The app allows completely anonymous messaging, meaning anyone with the link can send content without revealing who they are. While users can respond to messages, there's no way to know who sent them — even if the app pretends to hint at a location or device (these are often fake clues created by the app to increase engagement). 📱 Cyberbullying Because of its anonymous nature, NGL can easily become a platform for bullying, harassment, or inappropriate dares. Teens may feel emboldened to say things they wouldn’t say face-to-face, and recipients can feel targeted, shamed, or overwhelmed by anonymous comments. 🚨 Online Predators and Grooming NGL can be used by strangers to contact users anonymously — sometimes with inappropriate messages or attempts to build trust by pretending to be someone the recipient knows. There’s also a risk that links are shared widely, including in public forums. 📢 Age Verification & False Promises There is no true age verification, and users can easily enter a false birthdate. NGL also sends fake “bot” messages pretending to be anonymous questions, which can mislead users and create a false sense of popularity or engagement. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Users must link their Instagram or Snapchat to share their NGL link — which can drive unknown or malicious users to view their public profiles. The app may also collect location data, and its privacy policies are vague. 💸 In-App Purchases NGL offers a paid feature to “reveal” hints about who sent a message (like their location or phone type). However, these clues are vague, often inaccurate, and intended to encourage more spending — not truly identify senders. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the platform: Familiarise yourself with the apps features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 📢Underage Accounts: Bunch might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targeting children and young people. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behavior less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. 💬Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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