signal
SIGNAL
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Signal is an encrypted messaging service for instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls. The instant messaging function includes sending text, voice notes, images, videos, and other files. Communication may be one-to-one between users or may involve group messaging. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞Access to Inappropriate ContentBecause Signal uses end-to-end encryption, messages—including explicit or adult content—cannot be monitored by parents, schools, or even Signal itself. Teens may receive or send nudes, graphic images, or mature content with little risk of detection. 🔐 Privacy Concerns (Double-Edged) Signal is designed for maximum privacy. It doesn’t store messages or contact info and hides metadata (like who messaged whom and when). While this is good for security, it makes it easier to hide harmful activity—like sexting, bullying, or communication with strangers. 📢 Lack of AccountabilityBecause chats are private and disappear by default if users enable auto-delete, evidence of harmful behaviour is difficult to find. Users can send messages, photos, or videos that vanish after viewing, making it nearly impossible for adults to monitor. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Signal supports anonymous numbers and username-based communication, which makes it possible for bullies to harass someone without using their real identity. Screenshots can be blocked (on some devices), further preventing proof of abuse. 🚨 Sexual Harassment & Sextortion RisksSignal’s privacy settings make it an ideal platform for unsolicited sexual content, grooming, and coercive behaviour. Victims may be pressured to send intimate images, believing they’re safe because the app “deletes everything.” In reality, screenshots, recordings, or manipulation can still occur. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Because Signal allows users to connect via username or link, strangers can begin chatting with minors—even without knowing their phone number. Groomers may use this private setting to manipulate, isolate, and exploit children. 🚨 Criminal Activity & Illegal Sharing Signal is widely used for secure communication—including by people sharing pirated content, drugs, or even planning harmful behaviour. Young users may be exposed to illegal material through links or file sharing inside the app. 👻Disappearing Messages Users can set messages to auto-delete after a set time (as short as 5 seconds), making it hard to verify harmful conversations or actions. ⚠️End-to-End Encryption No one—including Signal—can read message content. This also means that parental control apps cannot scan messages for danger words or content. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Steam's 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: Steam 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 targetting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests: Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 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. 
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