TELEGRAM
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MINIMUM AGE: 16+
WHAT IS IT? Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that supports private chats, voice and video calls, group chats, channels (like social feeds), and bots. It’s popular for its end-to-end encryption (in Secret Chats), speed, and customisation, but it’s also widely used for anonymous communication, unmoderated groups, and sharing controversial or illegal content. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Telegram has introduced new features to strengthen youth safety, including automatic age-based restrictions that limit under-18s from accessing adult content, AI tools that detect and block explicit media in public spaces, improved one-click reporting with faster moderation, and optional safety alerts for parents who verify accounts. These updates aim to make parental controls more effective and improve overall platform safety. 🔐 Encrypted Messaging Telegram offers “Secret Chats” with end-to-end encryption, meaning messages can only be seen by the people in the conversation. While this provides strong privacy, it can make it more difficult for parents or guardians to monitor conversations, which may increase risks if young people interact with unknown contacts or share inappropriate content. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Telegram’s features - such as public groups, channels, bots, and usernames - can increase the risk of children being contacted by strangers or exposed to spam, scams, or inappropriate content if privacy settings are not configured. Because traditional parental controls are limited, young people may also share personal information without realising who can see it, so it’s important for parents to review privacy settings and encourage safe sharing habits. 📱 Predatory Behaviour & Grooming Telegram’s use of usernames, public groups, and anonymous interactions can make it possible for strangers to contact young people without needing a phone number. This may increase the risk of unwanted contact, scams, or inappropriate conversations if privacy settings are not carefully managed. Parents and carers should encourage children to only communicate with people they know and to report any behaviour that feels concerning. 🔓 Privacy Settings and Parental Controls Telegram does not include traditional built-in parental controls, but it does offer a range of privacy and security settings that can be configured to limit who can contact young people and what information is visible. Additional protections can be added through device-level parental control tools. Parents and carers should review settings and discuss safe use, as public groups and open features may still expose teens to unsuitable content if not monitored. 💬 Direct Messaging Telegram allows users to communicate through usernames, which can make it possible for people outside a child’s contact list to get in touch if privacy settings are not restricted. Messages may include spam, unwanted contact, or inappropriate content. While phone numbers can be hidden, this alone does not remove all risks, so it’s important to review privacy settings and encourage young people to only interact with people they know. 📱 Cyberbullying & Harassment Because Telegram allows open messaging and large group interactions, users may sometimes receive unwanted messages or encounter negative behaviour in groups. While blocking and reporting tools are available, moderation can vary, so it’s important for parents and carers to encourage safe communication and discuss how to respond to concerning interactions. ⚠️ Toxic Ideologies or Graphic Content Because Telegram hosts public channels and large groups with varying levels of moderation, young people may come across harmful or upsetting material, including hate speech, conspiracy theories, or graphic images and videos. Some content may be shared without warnings or context, which can be distressing or confusing. Parents and carers should encourage critical thinking, discuss what to do if content feels uncomfortable, and review group memberships regularly. 🔓 Scams Telegram may be used by scammers to promote fake giveaways, phishing links, fraudulent job offers, romance scams, or cryptocurrency schemes. It’s important to be cautious of unexpected messages and avoid sharing personal or financial information. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
🛡️Telegram Parental Controls Guide can be found here. 📲 Understand the app - Familiarise yourself with the platforms 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. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you 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. 
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