What is the Tango App and is it Safe?

The Tango app is a social network and messaging app for phones or tablets that uses geo-location.

Parent & educator training video

Tango app in the news

Tri-State parents have become concerned after some said their kids are getting inappropriate messages from strangers on the messaging app Tango. –NBC WGEM

Anyone on Tango can see who else is currently using the app within a four-mile radius through the phone's GPS and call them randomly, regardless of age. –News on 6

What is the Tango app?

• Users can make video or audio calls
• In addition to calls, users can send and receive: texts, stickers, photos, videos, and location messages
• Like Instagram and Snapchat, Tango has filters. Masks, stickers, games, and avatars can be used during video calls
• Contacts can be grouped together for group messaging
• Users can also use Tango to live-stream videos
• Users who live-stream can receive gifts from their fans which can be redeemed for actual cash
• Tango also has a social network where users share photos, videos with their followers and see updates from users they follow

Users can connect with:

• People they already know
• Strangers who use the Tango app nearby
• Friends of a friend
• Strangers who are popular in their area

To sign up, users either use their Facebook account or phone number and email address

Why should parents care?

• Any app that encourages users to talk to strangers is very dangerous, especially if the app uses geo-location
• Users can contact people through their phone’s contact list or strangers who are using the Tango app nearby
• By default, profiles are made public so anyone can see your child’s profile if it isn’t set to private
• Your child’s Tango account is tied to their Facebook or their phone number and email
• If your child has never made their profile private, strangers in your area can see your child’s profile and personal info
• Tango encourages unhealthy screen time habits by urging users to constantly check the app. This can be detrimental for tweens and teens
• There are plenty of opportunities to make in-app purchases, so your children can make the mistake of making several purchases without your knowledge

What could go wrong?

A mom on the East Coast reported that her daughter received many unwanted messages from older men on this app. She even said other girls are receiving naked photos.A Detective with the local sheriff's office said this is alarming and potentially dangerous: "What scares me the most is, you know, if they'd happen to meet somebody online and gain their trust, that's where you get the sex trafficking going on and everything, kidnapping." The Detective said another dangerous thing about the Tango app is that it shows your location. He said it's essential parents stay involved with all of their kids electronic devices for the sake of their safety.

What can parents do?

• If your teen has the Tango app, have them delete the app and discuss other ways they can connect with friends in a positive way
• Check out our Parent App Guide page and encourage your student to use apps in our Green Zone
• Teach your children to never share their location on social media and to use geo-location services wisely
• Before giving your child access to a device, ensure that they know to ask for permission before ever downloading or purchasing anything
• Show your child examples of how private messages can have a negative impact on their online reputation
• Remind your children to keep all of their social media posts Light, Bright & Polite, even if the posts are private