What it is
Tellonym lets people send an anonymous message to a username. Children share the link the same way they share other “ask me” links. They do not know who is writing.
The messages are often about crushes, appearance, or rumours. Some are from classmates. Some are not. The app gives you no reliable way to tell.
What to look out for
- A Tellonym link on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok.
- Messages that know a private detail.
- Pressure to answer publicly.
- Distress they are hiding by deleting the app before you see it.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Tellonym. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Remove the app and delete the link from their other accounts.
- If they already answered something personal, talk about what was shared before you punish the posting.
- Keep screenshots of threats.
- Treat a new anonymous-question app as the same problem, not a different one.
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.
- FTC bans anonymous messaging app NGL from users under 18 This order is about NGL. Tellonym is another anonymous-message app.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "Anonymous does not make it honest. It makes it easy to be cruel. You can tell me what they said. We will not put another link like this in your bio."
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.