How Can I Make the Telegram App Safer for My Child?

[charlesrich]

My teen recently downloaded the Telegram app, and I’m not very familiar with how it works. I’ve heard it has private messaging, large group chats, and public channels, which makes me a bit concerned about safety. Does the Telegram app have parental controls or privacy settings I should adjust? Can I limit who can message my child or prevent them from joining public groups? I’d appreciate advice from parents who have experience managing the Telegram app for their kids.

 

[Olive]

To make Telegram safer, enable Privacy and Security settings to restrict who can contact your child. Turn off “People Nearby,” limit group invites, and set profile visibility to “My Contacts.” Disable auto-download media, monitor chats regularly, and discuss online safety rules. Consider parental supervision and device-level controls for extra protection.

 

[tom]

To make Telegram safer for your child, start by adjusting Privacy and Security settings: set their phone number to “Nobody,” limit who can add them to groups, and restrict profile photo visibility to contacts only. Turn on Two-Step Verification for extra account protection. Disable auto-download of media to prevent unwanted content, and remind them not to join public groups or channels without permission. You can also use your device’s parental controls (like screen time limits) and regularly review their chats together. Most importantly, have open conversations about online safety, strangers, and what to do if they receive inappropriate messages.