What it is
Telegram is a messaging app with private chats and very large groups and channels. Some families use it. Many children find it because a game, a fan community, or a friend says “we talk on Telegram”.
Public groups are searchable. Secret chats and usernames make it harder to see who is talking to your child. It is not a children’s product.
What to look out for
- A username that is not their real name, plus groups you have never heard of.
- Channels with adult or extreme content joined “just to look”.
- Someone asking them to turn on a secret chat.
- A friend from a game who only exists on Telegram.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Telegram. The house rules still apply on every app.
- If they are young, this app does not need to be on the phone.
- For older teens, look at the group list together and leave anything you cannot explain.
- Turn off people finding them by phone number if that setting exists on their version.
- Agree that a stranger who wants a secret chat is a reason to stop and tell you.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Ofcom investigating Telegram over child sexual abuse material The UK regulator opened a case after reports that illegal images of children were being shared.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "A group with thousands of people is not a private club. If someone wants a chat that disappears, or asks you to keep the group a secret, that is when you show me."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.