Telegram Messenger Parent Guide

Telegram Messenger is an app that allows for instant messaging and video calls between users with the possibility of disappearing encrypted chats. A user has access to group chats with up to 200,000 other users and channels that allow broadcasting messages to an unlimited number of subscribers.

What is Telegram Messenger?

• Telegram Messenger is an independent messaging app, separate from your phone’s built-in texting system.
• When signing up, users must create an account with a cell phone number for confirmation. Users have the option to create a username and t.me/username link so other users can connect without exchanging phone numbers
• Telegram Groups can contain up to 200,000 users 
• Telegram Channels can broadcast to an infinite number of unknown users or they can communicate through direct messaging
• Telegram Messenger does not implement an age verification process for its users upon creation of an account
• Users can send Secret Chats that “disappear” based on a set time frame the user sets

Is Telegram Messenger safe for kids/teens?

• Users can easily chat with strangers, opening them up to inappropriate, violent, or illegal content
• Users can send and receive messages from multiple devices, making it easy for students to access Telegram Messenger on phones, tablets, or computers
• Telegram Messenger was once removed from the Apple App Store due to “illegal content” (Source: USA Today)
• Groups in Telegram can grow quickly. Once a group is created, any member can add others from their contacts to the group without the others' permission, which means students can quickly be connected with strangers

What can parents do?

• Before allowing children to use Telegram, parents should download the app, use it, and decide if it is appropriate
• Consider using SmartSocial’s Media Agreement to set boundaries, share login information, and open a line of discussion about appropriate app usage
• While there are no parental controls, parents can encourage their children to set their profile to private. This will allow them to only see their contacts in their phone 
• Enable and use the block feature to block unwanted users from messaging or accessing your child 
• Discuss safety with your student, encouraging them not to disclose any personal information or locations
• Have a conversation with your student about who they are messaging and ask them how they are connected outside of the app 
• Remind your teens they can always come to you if they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable
• Check the groups that your teen is a member of and prompt them to only use them for school or sports-related activities

What is Telegram Messenger app rated?

Additional info: Based in Dubai,  Owned by Pavel Durov
Apple App Store Rating: 16+
Google Play Rating: Mature 17+

Why do students want to be on Telegram Messenger?

• Telegram Messenger provides a sense of privacy by offering encrypted messages
• Users can share photos, files, and videos with large groups of friends
• Messages can disappear after a set time frame, making it hard for parents to set any parental controls
• Telegram users can set a passcode on the app, making it impossible for parents to see messages
• Telegram messages do not show up on a phone bill, nor can parents go back to look at messages if they are set to disappear 

Telegram in the News

There’s nothing quite like Telegram. A messaging platform you might use with your friends and colleagues, but which is also notorious for its use by criminals and terrorists, and which has almost become an easy access version of the dark web. - Forbes

Parents should focus on having ongoing conversations about online safety. Rather than prohibiting certain apps and platforms, she said asking questions and having conversations help empower and educate kids on how to recognize red flags and make good choices online. - Indianapolis Star

Additional Resources for Parents

Disappearing Messages: The Hidden Dangers Parents Need to Know

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Snapchat

Best Chat Apps: What Parents, Educators & Students Need to Know

Conclusion

Telegram Messenger allows users to connect with others in large groups of up to 200,000. Anyone in an established group can add others, allowing groups to get out of control and connect users to strangers. The encrypted and disappearing messages are a safety concern to parents who have students using the app. Parents should keep an open dialogue with their children about how to best use apps and how to navigate technology safely.