signal
|
MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Signal is a free messaging app designed for private and secure communication. It allows users to send text messages, voice notes, photos, videos, files, and GIFs, as well as make encrypted voice and video calls. The app uses end-to-end encryption, meaning messages and calls are protected so that only the sender and recipient can read or hear them. Users can also create group chats, group calls, and temporary Stories that disappear after 24 hours. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Because Signal uses end-to-end encryption, messages, photos, and videos are private between the sender and recipient. While this protects personal conversations, it also means that inappropriate or adult content shared between users cannot be monitored by the platform and may be difficult for parents to see. 🔐 Strong Privacy Features Signal is designed to protect user privacy and does not store message content or collect large amounts of user data. However, this level of privacy can make it harder for parents or guardians to know who a child is communicating with or what is being shared. 📢 Limited Visibility of Conversations Users can enable features such as disappearing messages or view-once media, which automatically delete messages after a set time. While this can help protect privacy, it may also make it harder to review conversations if a problem occurs. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Signal allows users to send private messages, join group chats, and share media. As with any messaging platform, this could potentially lead to bullying, harassment, or unwanted messages if users communicate with people they do not know well. 🚨 Unwanted Contact or Inappropriate Messages People can contact others on Signal using phone numbers or usernames. If young users share their contact details publicly, they may receive unsolicited messages or inappropriate content from strangers. 🧑💻 Risk of Scams or Impersonation Signal does not verify identities, meaning someone could pretend to be another person. The platform warns users to be cautious of scams, requests for personal information, suspicious links, or messages asking for codes or passwords. ⚠️ Sharing Photos and Media Images, videos, and files shared through Signal can still be saved, screenshotted, or recorded by other users, even if messages are set to disappear. 🛡️ Safety and Privacy Tools Signal includes several safety features, such as blocking contacts, reporting spam, controlling who can discover you by phone number, and enabling two-step verification for account security. Users can also adjust privacy settings to manage who can contact them. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the App Familiarise yourself with how Signal works. The app allows users to send private messages, share photos, videos, voice notes, make voice and video calls, and create group chats. Because messages are protected with end-to-end encryption, conversations are private and cannot be viewed by the platform or easily monitored. 👨👧 Parental Awareness Take an interest in how your child uses messaging apps and who they communicate with. Talk regularly about online safety, responsible communication, and protecting personal information. 📢 Underage Accounts Signal is generally intended for users aged 13 and over, but like many apps, age verification relies on information entered by the user. This means younger children may still attempt to create accounts. 👥 Contacts and Unknown Messages Signal uses phone numbers or usernames to connect users. Encourage your child to only communicate with people they know and trust, and to be cautious about accepting messages from unknown contacts. 📸 Be Careful When Sharing Photos or Videos Remind your child that images and videos sent through messaging apps can still be saved, recorded, or shared by others, even if disappearing messages are enabled. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts If a message, call, or conversation makes them uncomfortable, encourage them to stop responding, block the contact, and speak to a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces Where possible, encourage young people to use internet-connected devices in shared areas of the home, which can help parents stay aware of online activity. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Be aware of changes in behaviour such as secrecy around devices, distress after messaging, or suddenly deleting apps or conversations. 💬 Keep Communication Open Have regular conversations about online safety, cyberbullying, scams, inappropriate messages, and how to block or report suspicious contacts. Creating a supportive environment helps children feel comfortable asking for help if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. 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 Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
|
