TELLONYM
|
MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Tellonym is a social messaging app where users share a personal link to receive anonymous questions and messages, often through Instagram or Snapchat. They can reply publicly, share Q&As, follow friends, and chat with others on the platform. The app is designed to encourage open conversations and feedback, but the anonymous feature means users may not know who is sending messages. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Sensitive or Adult Topics Tellonym allows discussions about relationships and intimacy, which means young users may still encounter mature or uncomfortable questions even though explicit sexual content is not allowed. 📢 Moderation Limitations While the platform has rules, filters, and reporting tools, harmful or upsetting messages can still reach a user before they are removed, especially through anonymous Tells. 💬 Direct Messaging Private chat requests allow users to communicate one-to-one. Although users must accept requests, this can still lead to unwanted contact or pressure. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Risks Anonymous messaging can make it difficult to know who is behind a message, increasing the risk of manipulation or inappropriate conversations despite platform rules. 📱 Cyberbullying and Hurtful Feedback The app encourages “honest feedback,” which can sometimes cross into criticism or unkind comments that may affect a young person’s confidence or emotional wellbeing. 🔐 Privacy Risks Users may be tempted to share personal details when answering questions publicly. Although posting private data is against the rules, oversharing can still happen. 💸 In-App Purchases Paid features such as Tellonym Plus may encourage spending to unlock additional tools or visibility. 🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Impact Receiving anonymous feedback - especially negative or critical comments - can affect mood, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. 🔓 Scams & Fake Profiles As with many social platforms, users may encounter fake accounts or misleading messages despite community rules. ⚠️ Anonymous Interaction Risks The ability to receive anonymous questions can increase the likelihood of unwanted or uncomfortable messages unless safety settings are adjusted. 🤖 Exposure to Difficult Topics Although the platform bans harmful content like threats, explicit sexual content, and self-harm promotion, conversations about sensitive issues can still appear and may be upsetting for some users. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
Community Guidelines found here. 📲 Understand the App Familiarise yourself with Tellonym’s features, including anonymous messages (Tells), public Q&A posts, and private chats. Understanding how the app works will help you guide your child and recognise potential risks. 🔐 Privacy & Safety Settings Tellonym offers safety tools such as language filters, custom word filters, blocking, and options to limit messages to registered users only. Explore these settings together to help reduce unwanted or harmful messages. 👨👧 Parental Supervision Regularly check in about how your child is using the app and who they are interacting with. Stay informed about online trends and review safety settings together where appropriate. 📢 Underage Accounts Tellonym is intended for users aged 13+, but age checks rely largely on self-reported information. This means younger children may still be able to create accounts, so supervision is important. 👥 Managing Interactions Remind your child that messages - especially anonymous ones - can come from anyone. Encourage them to block or report users who send upsetting or inappropriate content. 📷 Be Mindful of What’s Shared Talk about the importance of not sharing personal information such as full name, school, location, phone number, or social media details when answering questions or chatting. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts Reassure your child that if a message feels upsetting, threatening, or uncomfortable, they should not respond and should tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keep Devices in Shared Spaces Where possible, encourage app use in shared areas of the home to help support open conversations and awareness of online activity. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Look out for changes such as anxiety after using the app, secrecy about messages, mood changes, or reluctance to talk about online activity. 💬 Keep Communication Open Have regular conversations about online safety, including anonymous messaging, cyberbullying, peer pressure, privacy, and how to report concerns. Creating a supportive environment helps children feel comfortable asking for help. 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. 
|
