Youths (under 18)
Staying Safe on Telegram
Staying safe online
Setting privacy and safety controls
Telegram is a messaging app where you can chat with friends and family, share photos or videos, and join group chats or channels. It is a great way to stay connected, but messages can sometimes feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Knowing how to adjust your settings can help you stay safe online.
How can messaging on Telegram affect you?
Telegram allows both private chats and group chats or channels. Anyone who has your phone number or username can contact you or add you to group chats or channels.
As a result, you may receive messages that:
Come from strangers in group chats or channels
Contain rude, abusive or threatening language
Ask for personal data or photos
Try to take over your account by asking for login or verification codes
Because interactions can be anonymous, it may feel harder to deal with situations like harassment or suspicious requests. If you find yourself in such a situation, then it may be time to adjust your settings to protect yourself.
How can you protect yourself on Telegram?
Telegram's Terms of Service do not specify a minimum age to use the platform. Stay safe by reviewing your settings to manage who can see your information and contact you.
You can:
Review the personal data visible in your bio
Delete your username, if you have one, so that people can no longer find you in global search
Under privacy and security settings, choose who can:
See your phone number, last seen and online status, profile photos and bio
Call or message you
Add you to group chats and channels
Enable anonymous forwarding so that others cannot identify your account through forwarded messages
Leave group chats or channels that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Block users you do not want to interact with
What else can you do when something does not feel right?
Sometimes, certain messages or interactions may cause discomfort and make you feel unsafe.
When that happens, remember:
You do not have to respond or explain yourself
Saving screenshots can help if you want to report harmful behaviour
Blocking or reporting is okay
Talking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or counsellor, can help you figure out next steps
Getting support early can prevent things from getting worse
Where can you learn more about Telegram’s safety tools?
Visit this resource to find out more about staying safe on Telegram:
Telegram FAQ: Find out more about Telegram’s features, managing your account and protecting your privacy
You can also explore other online safety resources on our website for more advice on staying safe online.