What is Signal?
What parents need to know
Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app. Users can text, share media and make voice and video calls, either directly or as part of a group chat.
In this guide
What is Signal? What parents need to know
Signal is a free messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption to provide a secure and private user experience. Users can call, text and share media with other users, either directly or as part of a group chat.
Signal was developed by a non-profit organisation whose mission is to provide secure global communication without adverts or data tracking for advertising purposes. This focus on privacy has led to many choosing to use Signal instead of WhatsApp, particularly because of concerns about how Meta handles customer data.
The app can be used on iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices.
Minimum age requirements
Signal’s terms of service state that users must be at least 13 years old. However, there is no true age verification on the app, meaning children could still access Signal’s services by inputting a fake date of birth, despite the app not being suitable for them.
Is Signal included in the UK social media ban?
No, Signal is unlikely to be included in the ban. The UK government said that they don’t intend for messaging apps to be included in the ban.
However, we are still waiting for details on what the social media ban will look like, so this might change. In some cases, there might also be restrictions on certain features with the platform still being available.
How the Signal app works
Signal works in a similar way to WhatsApp. Users can send messages, photos, videos and voice notes to other users, directly or as part of a group chat. The app also offers strong privacy features, such as disappearing messages, view-once media, face blurring in photos and the ability to disable screenshots on Android.
Users sign up using their phone numbers and the app can identify which of their contacts also use the app through their phone numbers. This means anyone with your phone number can invite you to chat directly or as part of a group. However, before being added to a chat, users will be sent a message request which allows them to Block, Report, or Accept the message.
Signal has a ‘stories’ feature, similar to social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Users can share photos, videos and text updates that disappear after 24 hours. These stories can be shared with all contacts or customised so only selected contacts can view them.
Unlike other messaging apps, Signal allows users to make crypto transactions using the app. Users can transfer ‘MobileCoin’ to others, and these payments can not be cancelled or undone even if done by mistake.
What to watch out for
While Signal offers users a more private and secure experience, there are still risks you should consider.
Lack of parental controls
Signal has no parental controls, giving parents very little insight into what their child does on the app. Privacy settings can be enabled, such as hiding phone number from other users and preventing them from finding you using your number, which reduces unwanted contact. However, children can change these settings themselves without their parents’ knowledge.
Contact from strangers
Children might be added to conversations or group chats by people who have access to their number. If your child shares their phone number with people they don’t know or keeps their phone number visible on their profile, they could be contacted by strangers seeking to do harm.
Group chats
Signal group chats can hold up to 1000 members. Your child could join a group chat and become a victim of cyberbullying or be exposed to strangers that are also a part of the chat.
Inappropriate content
Signal users have the ability to share media such as images or videos. With no content moderation on the app, other users could send your child inappropriate or disturbing content. The disappearing messages feature can also make it difficult to collect evidence of this harmful contact.
Top tips to help teens use Signal safely
If your child uses Signal, these tips can help them have a safer experience with the app.
Have regular conversations
Signal has no parental controls, meaning parents have no insight into what a child is doing on the app. Having casual conversations about their online life, similar to how you would ask about their online life, can help you learn about how they use the app, who they communicate with, and can alert you to any potential harms.
Use privacy settings
Signal includes privacy settings that allow users to control who can see their phone number and whether others can find them using it. Encourage your child to edit their settings to prevent contact from strangers.
Discuss privacy and sharing
Have a conversation with your child about what information is and is not ok to share with others online. Tell them not to share their address, school, passwords or any other personal information. Dissuade them from having their own photo on their profile or any identifiable information.