What Parents Need to Know
Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app developed by a non-profit organization. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice, and video calls without ads or tracking. It's known for being the most privacy-respecting option among major messaging apps.
Why We Rate It "Safe"
Signal is one of the safer messaging options:
The app has no social discovery features, ads, or algorithmic content that could expose users to harmful material. There are no public channels or groups to stumble upon. Communication is only with people who have your phone number or a username you shared, and messages from anyone new arrive as a request that can be blocked before replying. The main concern, as with any messaging app, is who your child is communicating with.
Key Concerns at a Glance
Encryption Makes Monitoring Difficult: Like all encrypted messengers, you cannot monitor messages without physical device access.
Direct Communication: By default, anyone with your child's phone number can still contact them, though this can be turned off in Signal's phone number privacy settings.
Disappearing Messages: Messages can be set to auto-delete, reducing oversight ability.
Group Chats: Group members can invite others, though this is less problematic than on other platforms.
Conversation Starters
"Who do you usually Signal with?" Understand their communication circle.
"Why do you like using Signal over other apps?" Learn about their privacy awareness.
"Have you ever gotten messages from unknown numbers?" Addresses stranger contact.
Quick Safety Wins
Set a short disappearing message timer if your family uses them. Review their contact list periodically. Discuss who should have their phone number.