Telegram is a messaging app where you can send messages, photos, videos and documents to your contacts, as well as creating large group chats. All communications, including voice calls, are end-to-end encrypted.
Official age rating
You can receive messages from people you don't know, so show your child how to block users in settings so they don't receive unwelcome messages.
Sitting down with your child and exploring Telegram together is a great way for you to learn more about why they might like to use it.
It also gives you a chance to chat with them about the privacy settings and agree some rules around who they can talk to. You should tell them to come to you if anyone they don’t know tries to send them a message.
You might also want to discuss some of the different features available like ‘Secret Chat’ and decide together whether they can use them.
To find out more about Telegram, we would recommend reading their FAQS.
Help your child think about what they share online and who sees it. Compare it to what they would be happy to share offline.
Use examples that are easy for them to understand: “You shouldn't give your number to somebody you don't know on the street. Is somebody online you don't know any different?”
Listen to their answers. And be positive and encouraging.
Remind them that they shouldn’t share private things, such as:
Explain that you understand the internet is a great place to play, create, learn and connect. But remind them they can talk to you if anything upsets or worries them.
Reassure them that you won’t overreact – you’re just looking out for them.
It’s important to remind your child that they can talk you, another adult they trust, like a teacher, or Childline about anything they see online.
Your child might receive something upsetting or negative on Telegram. If this happens, they might want to report or block another user.
It's easy to report and block within the chat. Explore this with your child so they feel confident how to do this. And take the opportunity to talk about what's appropriate to send and receive, and what’s not.
And remember to let your child know that they can always talk to you about worrying things they see online.
Having open, regular conversations with your child will help you to really understand and explore the online world together. Our tips and advice can help you start these conversations.
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