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Apps

Telegram

High risk

A messaging service with groups, broadcast channels and third-party bots. Telegram’s EU terms require users to be 18+; this guide helps parents understand and respond to existing use.

Sources checked:

Three things to do first

  1. 1

    Check age eligibility

    In Romania and other EU countries, Telegram’s terms require 18+ to sign up. If a child already uses it, discuss how to move important contacts to an age-appropriate service.

  2. 2

    Review existing contacts together

    Ask about unfamiliar chats, groups, channels and bots. Make it easy to disclose pressure, threats or unwanted material.

  3. 3

    Reduce exposure while you respond

    Review privacy settings and report concerning messages before deciding the next steps together.

Encryption is not a safety rating

Privacy features protect particular data flows. They do not establish who is on the other end or whether a group is suitable for a child.

Start with this

Understand existing use without blame, address unwanted contact and agree on an age-appropriate way to stay in touch.

Risk level

Age rating

18+ to sign up in the EU; check local terms elsewhere

Users

Messaging, groups and channel audiences

Platform

Android, iOS, desktop, web

Age recommendation

Our recommendation: choose an age-appropriate alternative for minors in the EU

18+

EU registration

Cloud encryption

Regular chats

End-to-end encrypted

Secret Chats

Third-party services

Bots and mini apps

What to watch for

Moving a conversation into secrecy

High

A request to leave a game or social app for a private chat deserves a conversation about who is asking and why.

Harmful group or channel content

High

An invitation from a friend is not a guarantee that all members or posts are safe.

Bots requesting private data

High

Treat a bot as a separate service with its own operator and privacy practices.

Fake gifts, downloads or login requests

High

Do not share login codes or open unfamiliar downloads to claim a promised reward.

Set it up, step by step

  1. 1

    Start with the existing situation

    Ask why your child uses Telegram and who invited them. These checks help with an existing account; they are not instructions to register a child below the service’s minimum age.

  2. 2

    Review phone-number visibility

    Open Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number. Review visibility and discovery options; a hidden number does not stop contact through shared groups or a public username.

  3. 3

    Review groups and channels

    Check group-invitation permissions in Privacy and Security. Review memberships together. A channel is a broadcast feed; a linked discussion group can add conversations with other users.

  4. 4

    Check bots before sharing

    Bots and mini apps can be run by third parties. Sending a bot a message can share data with its developer. Avoid sending private files or login codes.

  5. 5

    Understand chat privacy

    Regular cloud chats and groups are not end-to-end encrypted. Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and are device-specific, but do not guarantee a trustworthy recipient or prevent someone photographing a screen.

  6. 6

    Report unwanted or illegal content

    Use the message’s Report option: tap on Android, press and hold on iOS, or right-click on desktop. Block unwanted contacts and ask for help if there are threats; do not forward abusive material.

Sources and availability

Checked against published guidance. Settings have not been tested in a child account; menus and availability can vary.

Availability: The EU minimum age applies to Romania. Privacy and reporting menus vary by client. This guide is for reviewing existing use and reducing harm, not recommending underage registration.