<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

WHAT IS THE TELEGRAM MESSENGER APP?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Description:<\/strong>\u00a0Telegram Messenger is a cloud-based communication app usable across all devices; it allows users to send pics, videos, stickers, texts, and other files completely free. Your phone number is required for setup (similar to\u00a0WhatsApp) but there is also the option of creating a username which is totally public and can be searched by anyone. The app is touted as being extremely secure because of its end-to-end encryption option that can be turned on, allowing users to feel much safer about sending private messages. Under the app\u2019s general question section, users can \u201ccreated groups for\u00a0 up to 50,000 people or channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Category:\u00a0<\/strong>Social Networking<\/p>\n

APP Store rating:<\/strong>\u00a04+<\/p>\n

WHAT DO PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TELEGRAM MESSENGER?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This graphic from their website explains its features, which we elaborate on below:<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Items circled in red are of particular interest to teens.)<\/p>\n

\n
• Secret Chats are possible\u00a0<\/strong>and encouraged. The app explains how to create a Secret Chat message \u2013 these messages are not available in the cloud and cannot be accessed on other devices \u2013 only the sending and receiving device can access the content of the messages.<\/li>\n
• Account self-destruction and messages with self-destruct timer<\/b>\u00a0is a key feature. If you lose your device or don\u2019t log into your account for six months, the account will automatically self-destruct. And \u201cif you want to send messages that can vanish without a trace, try using our self-destruct timer\u2026\u201d the app states. This has some similarity to\u00a0Snapchat\u00a0and the features it offers.<\/li>\n
• Opportunities for connection with\u00a0<\/strong>tricky people<\/strong>\u00a0are possible. If users decide to create a username (which is public and searchable by anyone) and are concerned with broadcasting to an unlimited number of people \u2013 because \u201cmore followers is better\u201d to most teens, this opens the door to unexpected or unwanted contacts.<\/li>\n
• Tech savvy teens would enjoy this<\/strong>\u00a0app<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>because of the option to create bots. It recommends users have some skill in computer programming but provides a link to \u201cIntroduction for Developers\u201d where some basics of the what, how, and whys of bots is discussed.<\/li>\n
• Features adult content and p-graphy <\/strong>Anyone is able to create content since this is an open-source platform so, though the app rating is 4+, the level of questionable content available is determined by those sending and receiving messages. When setting up the app, a Terms of Service box pops up and states you agree to NOT do a number of different things including \u201cpost p-graphy content on publicly viewable Telegram bots or channels.\u201d Notice the distinction of \u201cpublicly viewable,\u201d so everything else must be considered fair-game. Feb. 2018 note: Apple removed Telegram for a period of time due to the sharing of child p-graphy.<\/li>\n
• There is a hidden doorway to Google.<\/strong> It exists through the very standard \u201cTelegram FAQ\u201d under settings. From here\u00a0 you can get to Google Play Services and then reach a common hidden Google search bar access point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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