[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px||-80px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3233.8px” custom_margin=”48px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”90px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u00a0Chatty folk are spoiled for choice when it comes to instant messaging apps. WhatsApp is still the communication king, but Telegram is a popular alternative – especially for those who prioritize privacy and security.<\/span><\/p>\n Telegram\u2019s comprehensive security features might explain how it\u2019s attracted over <\/span>800 million<\/span><\/a> active users and was the world\u2019s <\/span>6th most downloaded app<\/span><\/a> in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n Although Telegram\u2019s strong focus on privacy might sound like music to a parent\u2019s ears, its features could expose your child to some serious online threats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Telegram was launched back in 2013 by Russian brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov – but it wasn\u2019t until 2021 that it became a major player in the messaging app space. Early in that year, WhatsApp <\/span>updated its terms and conditions<\/span> <\/a>to include new rules on data sharing that caused many to seek a less intrusive messaging option. A few months later, on October 4, Facebook experienced a six-hour outage on all its platforms, including WhatsApp, sending a record <\/span>70 million users<\/span><\/a> over to Telegram in one day.<\/span><\/p>\n The look and feel of Telegram might seem similar to WhatsApp and other messaging apps but it has several features that set it apart from the rest; two being the ability to <\/span>create and join groups of up to 200,000 users <\/b>and to <\/span>share large files like movies and TV shows.<\/b><\/p>\n But it\u2019s Telegram\u2019s <\/span>Secret Chat option<\/b>, with features like <\/span>end-to-end encryption<\/b> and <\/span>self-destructing messages<\/b>, that has attracted waves of privacy-conscious users to the platform – and caused concern for parents worldwide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/04\/16134710\/InsideImage-1.png” alt=”child using Telegram app” title_text=”InsideImage” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Unlike other communication apps like Kik and Snapchat, Telegram isn\u2019t designed to attract young users. Their <\/span>terms of service<\/span><\/a> indicate that users need to be 16+ to use the app but as we parents know, age restrictions do little to put off curious kids.<\/span><\/p>\n After using Telegram for a while, several aspects of the app concerned us as parents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Secret chats and self-destructing messages<\/b><\/p>\n A Telegram user can initiate a secret chat with a contact which<\/span> makes the conversation<\/span> end-to-end encrypted<\/b> – ensuring that only the two parties can view the messages sent back and forth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Influenced by <\/span>Snapchat\u2019s<\/span><\/a> disappearing messages, secret chats can be programmed to <\/span>self-destruct<\/b>, permanently deleting all the exchanged messages, photos, and videos when the pre-set timer runs out<\/span><\/p>\n Although these features are some of Telegram\u2019s biggest selling points, they can also be blamed for putting young users at risk. End-to-end encryption and disappearing chats <\/span>prevent parents from being able to access and view their child\u2019s messages. <\/b>While this may appeal to secretive teens, it makes it much harder to trace and record the activities of <\/span>online predators<\/span><\/a>, drug dealers, and other nefarious users.<\/span><\/p>\n Easy access to inappropriate content<\/b><\/p>\n Although posting pornographic content on publicly viewable channels is against Telegram\u2019s terms of service, the platform has been scrutinized for its relaxed moderation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And, unfortunately for parents, pretty much anything flies in private groups and chats where young users can connect with strangers and be exposed to sexting, <\/span>pornography<\/span><\/a>, violence, and other inappropriate material. Telegram has even been named the \u201c<\/span>app of choice<\/span><\/a>\u201d for terrorists as groups use the app to share propaganda and recruit members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Anyone can search for and contact your child<\/b><\/p>\n Telegram users are identified by a username that can be searched for and cannot be hidden from search results – giving perfect strangers the chance to connect with and message your child.<\/span><\/p>\n You can, however, choose to reject messages from non-contacts and hide your phone number by changing your privacy settings.<\/span><\/p>\n Your child can be added to private groups<\/b><\/p>\n Similarly, if you haven\u2019t adjusted Telegram\u2019s privacy settings, your child can be added to private groups of up to 200,000 strangers who can access your child\u2019s username, profile picture, and phone number.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As well as the potential for serious threats like <\/span>cyberbullying<\/span><\/a>, and sexual predation, it\u2019s in private groups where your child is most likely to be exposed to pornography and other <\/span>inappropriate content<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The spread of fake news<\/b><\/p>\n Whether via private messages or a group chat, communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram make it all too easy to share fake and unchecked information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In recent years, fake news has become a major worry for parents as young minds can be particularly susceptible to misinformation. Fake news is usually created to push someone else\u2019s agenda and if believed, can lead to changes in ideology, attitudes, and ultimately, behavior. Trusting unverified rumors can even <\/span>be fatal<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re concerned about your child\u2019s exposure to misinformation, be sure to check out our article on <\/span>how to teach your kids to spot fake news.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n No parental controls<\/b><\/p>\n Because Telegram isn\u2019t specifically targeted at children,<\/span> it lacks parental control features<\/b> that could otherwise prevent your child from being exposed to inappropriate content and other, more serious threats.<\/span><\/p>\n Adjusting your child\u2019s settings can minimize some risks. For example, you can turn off location services, hide your child\u2019s phone number and profile picture, and stop strangers from adding your child to groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Telegram?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Is Telegram safe for kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n