Telegram Safety Guide for Parents
What parents need to know about Telegram's channels, secret chats, and self-destructing messages — and how to keep children safe.
Official age
16+
We recommend
16+
Developer
Telegram FZ-LLC
Risks
4
Overview
Telegram is a messaging platform known for large group chats, public channels, and strong encryption. It allows groups of up to 200,000 members and hosts public channels on virtually any topic, including some with harmful or extremist content. The platform has minimal content moderation compared to other mainstream messaging apps.
How children use it
Teenagers may use Telegram for group messaging with friends, joining public channels based on interests, or because friends have recommended it. Some children are drawn to it by the promise of greater privacy through secret chats and self-destructing messages. It is sometimes used as an alternative when other platforms are restricted.
Main risks
Recommended privacy settings
Phone Number Visibility
Location: Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number
Set to: Nobody
Hides your child's phone number from other Telegram users, preventing strangers from obtaining their personal contact details.
Who Can Add Me to Groups
Location: Settings → Privacy and Security → Groups & Channels
Set to: My Contacts
Prevents strangers from adding your child to group chats or channels without their knowledge.
Forwarded Messages
Location: Settings → Privacy and Security → Forwarded Messages
Set to: Nobody
Removes the link back to your child's profile when their messages are forwarded, protecting their identity.
Parent actions
Have a frank conversation about why Telegram carries higher risks than other messaging apps and set clear boundaries about its use
Time: 15 minutes
Configure privacy settings to hide your child's phone number and restrict who can add them to groups
Time: 5 minutes
Consider whether your child genuinely needs Telegram and whether a safer alternative like WhatsApp would serve the same purpose
Time: 10 minutes