., click here to enter for a chance to win one of our many gift cards we are giving away.

Learn more

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Telegram Messenger Parent Guide

., you're logged in!
Enjoy this resource and share our programs with your school district to send these resources to your whole community
Tell Your School District About Our Program
., you're logged in!
Share this resource with a parent at .  (or visit our new sharing center)
Copy Share Link
., you're logged in!
Enjoy this demo pass. Click the button to share access with leaders in your school district (or visit our new sharing center)
Share Your Demo Pass With School District Leaders

Become a member or login to learn more on this topic

Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
May 19, 2021

In this video lesson parents will learn:

  • What is Telegram Messenger App?
  • Why do students want to use Telegram?
  • Dangers of secret or disappearing messages on apps like this
  • Tips to talk with your student about messaging with strangers

Login or join the VIP membership today to view all resources about Telegram!

Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic

Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
Quotation marks

This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!

StarStarStarStarStar

Sharon M.

Parent VIP Member

Quotation marks

Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.

StarStarStarStarStar

Director of College Advising

Educator Webinar Attendee

Quotation marks

This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.

StarStarStarStarStar

Irene C.

Educator Webinar Attendee

Telegram Messenger Parent Guide

., you're logged in!
Enjoy this resource and share our programs with your school district to send these resources to your whole community
Tell Your School District About Our Program
., you're logged in!
Share this resource with a parent at .  (or visit our new sharing center)
Copy Share Link
., you're logged in!
Enjoy this demo pass. Click the button to share access with leaders in your school district (or visit our new sharing center)
Share Your Demo Pass With School District Leaders

Telegram Messenger is an app that offers unlimited instant messaging providing the possibility of extra secrecy with encrypted chats. Many messages sync across devices so users can access their chats on any internet-connected device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.) Users can join or host group chats with up to 200,000 other Telegram users.

Parent training video

What is Telegram Messenger?

telegram app logo
  • Telegram Messenger is a messaging app that is separate from the phone’s native messaging software
  • A users creates their account by confirming a cell phone number. They have the option to create a username and t.me/username link so other users can connect without exchanging phone numbers
  • Users can send files (photos, videos, etc.) of any type to contacts or groups in the app
  • Telegram Groups can contain up to 200,000 users at once
  • Channels broadcast to an unlimited number of users or users can communicate one-on-one
  • Users find other users by searching for a phone number or usernames. The app asks for permission to access the cell phone’s contacts, but it is not required to create an account or use the app
  • Voice calls, video calls, and voice chats in groups are available through the app
  • Users can access Group or Channel messages by accessing their Telegram account on any internet-connected device. Heads up:  if a student has lost their phone privileges, they could access Telegram messages on a computer or tablet)
  • Secret Chats provide end-to-end encryption. Only the sender and recipient can read or access the messages. Secret Chats can only be accessed on one device per user compared to Groups or Channels that can be accessed on any device the user logs into
  • Users cannot forward Secret Chats and can set a time for the messages to “disappear” from the message records
  • The app attempts to alert users if a screenshot is taken of the Secret Message. The company says “there is no bulletproof way of detecting screenshot”

Why do students want to use Telegram?

Screenshot of telegram "What is a Channel?" Channels are a one-to-many tool for broadcasting your messages to unlimited audiences.
  • Telegram Messenger provides a convenient way to send messages with a large group  of friends
  • By messaging through the app, students may think they can hide messages  from adults who monitor their cell phone usage. Users can set a unique passcode for the app to lock out others who may have access to their phone
  • Telegram offers encryption of specific messages. This might make teens think their messages are secure, regardless of whom they are messaging with
  • Like Snapchat and Instagram, Telegram Messenger offers stickers, gif searches, and a photo editor. Students often enjoy using the features to create fun messages
  • Users can share a “last seen status” with other users, which can make teens feel more connected to other users 
  • Telegram Messenger offers a “People Nearby" search. Teens can use this to easily connect with others who are on the app and are physically nearby

Where is Telegram available and what are the terms of use?

Telegram in the news

Forbes headline: Yes, Telegram really is 'dangerous' for you
[A] growing cyber threat where hackers use Telegram, the instant messaging app with over 500 million active users, as a command and control system. Forbes
Newsweek headline: Here are 15 apps dangerous for children as predators lurk and school begins, per police
‘Unfortunately, the internet allows for easy and anonymous access to children by strangers who are hiding behind a computer screen. That is why these operations are paramount to ensuring our most vulnerable population is safe and protected…’ Newsweek
The Verge headline: Apple removed Telegram from the App Store over distribution of child pornography
The Telegram apps were taken down off the App Store because the App Store team was alerted to illegal content, specifically child pornography, in the apps,” Schiller wrote to the user. “After verifying the existence of the illegal content, the team took the apps down from the store, alerted the developer, and notified the proper authorities, including the NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). The Verge

Why should parents care?

  • Anyone with your student’s username can message them through the app
  • It is possible for users to see when another user is online. As a result, students feel peer pressure among their connections to check-in often
  • Using the “People Nearby” feature opens teens up to strangers knowing their location
  • “Secret” or “disappearing” messages encourages students to sometimes share photos or talk in ways they wouldn’t off the app. Consequently, child predators know how vulnerable young users are in these types of apps
  • By default, Telegram Messenger allows any member of a group to invite new members to a Group chat and as a result, a Group can quickly become populated by people your student doesn’t actually know
  • Activity on Telegram Messenger won’t show up on your phone bill, therefore, some students may be more inclined to act negatively when using this app
  • Experts in the security industry question the actual security the app promotes. Apple App Store has removed the app in the past for illegal content
  • If your student feels the need to set a unique passcode for the Telegram app, talk with them about why they feel it is necessary. Have them share this, and all their social media passwords with you

What can parents do?

Screen shot of Privacy and Security for Telegram app
Telegram Messenger Privacy and Security screen example
  • If your teen has the Telegram Messenger app, ask them how they use the app and who they are connected with
  • If there is a positive purpose for your students to use the app (like connecting with their sports team or school organization), download the app yourself.  Parents can explore how it works, connect with your student on the app, and set limits on what types of Groups or Channels they should be participating in
  • Talk about who your student should be talking with on the app. Even if they are in a group of trusted people, they should never share sensitive or personal information
  • Set Smart Notifications in the app or on the student’s phone’s settings to minimize distractions from incoming messages
  • Tell students to not share their phone number or t.me link with strangers or through other public social media messages
  • Talk about what to do if a stranger, or anyone, tries to blackmail them to send inappropriate photos of themselves through the app 
  • Encourage your student to use the block function if strangers or bullies contact them through the app. Consider removing their username if they are frequently contacted by strangers
  • Frequently talk with your students about who they are connecting with on Telegram Messenger
  • Remind your teens they can always come to you if they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable
  • Join the SmartSocial.com VIP (Very Informed Parent) program to learn more tips to keep your students safer online

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Telegram Messenger app connects users to large Groups or unlimited Channels of other users. Large chat groups can easily get out of control with unknown members. This certainly has the possibility of connecting your student to strangers through the app. The People Nearby feature is a threat to the physical safety of your student if they share this information.

., now is your chance to earn 10 points towards a $5 Starbucks gift card by telling us what you learned in this resource!
To earn your gift card, please be specific and write a full sentence that helps us learn what you liked about the topic. Our non-profit uses this information to improve our program.

40 characters remaining to reach minimum

Your submission has been received! You now have additional points added to your account.

If you are in a live event, please comment "I filled out the form!" in the live event chat box!

Otherwise you are free to roam around the site.
Thanks!
-Josh and The SmartSocial Team
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
School Districts: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.

In this video lesson parents will learn:

  • What is Telegram Messenger App?
  • Why do students want to use Telegram?
  • Dangers of secret or disappearing messages on apps like this
  • Tips to talk with your student about messaging with strangers

Login or join the VIP membership today to view all resources about Telegram!

Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic

Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
Quotation marks

This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!

StarStarStarStarStar

Sharon M.

Parent VIP Member

Quotation marks

Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.

StarStarStarStarStar

Director of College Advising

Educator Webinar Attendee

Quotation marks

This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.

StarStarStarStarStar

Irene C.

Educator Webinar Attendee

Learn more

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Join Our Next Live Parent Q&A Events (And earn a $5 Starbucks gift card)*

Nov
19
Register

Disappearing Messages: Hidden Dangers Parents Need to Know

Understand the hidden risks behind disappearing messages and learn practical strategies to protect and guide your teen’s digital behavior.

Nov
21
Register

AI for Student Success: Being Productive & Learning Future Skills

This virtual parent night event will explore the fascinating world of AI and the role it can have in every student's educational journey and future career paths.

Dec
03
Register

Optimize Parental Controls Without Invading Your Student's Privacy

Understand how to set up parental controls and monitor your students without being intrusive.

Dec
10
Register

Optimize Parental Controls Without Invading Your Student's Privacy

Understand how to set up parental controls and monitor your students without being intrusive.

Dec
12
Register

Protecting Your Family With A Social Media Agreement

Learn how to set up a Family Media Agreement for your entire family in order to keep your family safer with technology and social media.

Jan
14
Register

How To Shine Online With Your Social Media Accounts

Learn how students can use their social media accounts to help them Shine Online and better their future.

*Only for families in partner school districts or individual paid VIP members: to receive a gift card, simply attend the live event, join in the activities, and your family will be eligible to earn one gift card per year (while supplies last).

Become a Very Informed Parent (VIP) to get our social media suggestions in your email every Tuesday & Thursday.

Dotted arrow to right
Learn about our
"Very Informed Parent" 
VIP Program
Right arrow
Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial.com. Protect your family by taking my 1 minute quiz

This quiz will help you understand how safe your family is

Take Josh's 1 Min Quiz
Right arrow
Smart Social Logo

Schools & Districts: Partner with us to protect your community online

Our remote presentations (and website) teach over a million students each year how to shine online. We teach students how their accounts can be used to create a portfolio of positive accomplishments that impress colleges and employers.

Partner with SmartSocial.com
Right arrow
Smart Social Logo
Join Our Smart Social Podcast
each week on iTunes

With over 240 episodes, Josh Ochs interviews psychologists, therapists, counselors, teachers, and parents while showing you how to navigate social media to someday shine online.

Listen on: