Signal

What is Signal?

Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app developed by the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organisation. It offers text, voice and video calls, group chats, disappearing messages, and stories. All communication is end-to-end encrypted by default. Signal requires a phone number for registration, but usernames and Phone Number Privacy can let users connect without sharing the number and control who can see or find them by number.

Age limit: 13 years.

Why do kids like it?

• Recommended by privacy-conscious parents and teachers. Many children are introduced to Signal by adults who value privacy.
• Encrypted by default. All communication is protected without any extra steps.
• No ads and no data collection. A cleaner experience without tracking.
• Clean, simple interface. Easy to use without distractions.
• Disappearing messages. Messages can be set to delete automatically after a chosen time period.
• Group chats for school and friends. A straightforward way to stay in touch.
• Growing awareness of digital privacy among teens. Many young people consciously choose Signal to protect their privacy.

What are the real risks?

• Disappearing messages can hide conversations. Messages can delete automatically after a chosen time period.
• Encryption means no content moderation. Nobody — not even Signal — can read the messages or filter content in private conversations.
• Phone number is still required for registration. Usernames can be used instead of sharing the number, but Phone Number Privacy controls who can see or find the account by number.
• Group links can be shared publicly. Strangers can join groups if the link is passed around.
• Privacy is not the same as anonymity. Encryption, usernames and hidden phone numbers do not protect against everything shared in the conversation itself.

Settings to check

1. Enable Registration Lock: Open Settings → Account → Registration Lock and enable it to prevent someone else from re-registering the number.
2. Check Phone Number Privacy: Open Settings → Privacy → Phone Number and choose who can see the number and who can find the account by number.
3. Create a username if needed: Open Settings → Profile → Username and create a username that can be shared instead of the phone number.
4. Enable Screen Lock: Open Settings → Privacy → Screen Lock and require biometrics or PIN to open the app.
5. Review group settings: Open Settings → Privacy → Groups and check who can add the account to groups.
6. Check linked devices: Open Settings → Linked Devices and remove unknown devices.
7. Choose disappearing message defaults: Open Settings → Privacy → Default disappearing message timer and choose the preferred time period.

How to talk about it

“What do you like most about using Signal?”

“When does it make sense to share a username instead of a phone number?”

“What makes a private chat feel safe or unsafe to you?”

Last reviewed: July 2026