Apple App store rating : 4+ Google play rating: 10+ Kids N Clicks recommendation : Not suitable for anyone below 18+ |
Threema is a secure messaging app that prioritizes privacy, making it harder for hackers, corporations, and governments to access user data.
It requires a one-time purchase, and after that, teens can chat as much as they want without any additional fees.
The app was designed from the ground up to protect user privacy and offers features like text, voice, and video chats, group calls, and file sharing—all securely.
What makes Threema special?
- Secure: Messages are encrypted, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read them.
- Anonymous: Teens can communicate without disclosing personal details.
- Feature-rich: Includes options for broadcasting messages and creating polls in group chats.
- Ownership and Ratings: Threema is owned by Threema GmbH, based in Switzerland, and is available with a 4+ rating on the Apple App Store and an “E” for Everyone on Google Play.
Threema states that it is “suited for children under the age of 16” due to its privacy features
Privacy Features:
- Private Conversations: Chats can be locked and hidden, accessible only through a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID.
- Safe Location Sharing: Teens can share their locations securely within a chat.
- Polls and Group Chats: Enables group discussions and decision-making without needing a formal account.
Concerns about Threema app :
Lack of parental controls: Unlike apps specifically designed for children, Threema does not offer robust parental control features that allow parents to monitor or restrict their child’s activities.
End-to-end encryption: While this is a privacy benefit, it also means parents cannot easily monitor their child’s communications for safety purposes.
Potential contact with strangers: Threema allows users to connect with others using a Threema ID, which could potentially expose children to unknown individuals.
Mature content: As a general messaging app, there’s no built-in content filtering, potentially exposing children to inappropriate material shared by other users.
Potential for misuse: The app’s security features, like self-destructing messages, could be misused by children to hide inappropriate conversations from parents.
Why do teens like Threema?
Teens appreciate Threema because it doesn’t require a phone number or email for signup, allowing them to use the app anonymously on various devices, including web browsers and tablets. They can also easily connect with friends who have Threema by linking phone numbers or emails.
Why should parents and educators care?
While Threema’s privacy features are excellent for security, they also allow teens to hide potentially inappropriate content and make unsupervised contact with strangers. It’s crucial for adults to stay informed and proactive about the digital spaces teens are exploring.
How can parents and educators respond?
- Explore Threema first-hand: Download and use Threema to determine if it’s suitable for children.
- Establish guidelines: Implement agreements to set clear rules and expectations.
- Maintain open communication: Regularly discuss online behavior with children and encourage them to share their experiences and concerns.
What do the colored dots mean in Threema?
The dots next to a contact’s name indicate the level of verification:
- Red: The contact hasn’t been verified, so their identity isn’t confirmed.
- Orange: The contact’s details match someone in the address book, suggesting their identity is likely genuine.
- Green: The contact has been directly verified by scanning their QR code, providing high confidence in their identity.
- Blue (Threema Work only): Indicates a verified internal contact within a company.
Tips for managing privacy settings in Threema:
- Secure private chats: Navigate to Settings, select “Passcode Lock,” enable it, and set a passcode. Optionally, enable Touch ID or Face ID for faster access.
- Manage visibility of chats: From Settings under Privacy, choose to hide certain chats, making them visible only when needed by entering the passcode.
- Teach teens to share locations wisely: Show them how to securely share their location in a chat using the paperclip (Android) or plus sign (iOS), and selecting “Location” or “Share Location.”
Conclusion
Threema stands out among messaging apps due to its strong emphasis on privacy, security, and anonymity. These features make it particularly appealing to students. Despite its security measures, such as displaying a contact’s verification level, Threema does not prevent users from interacting with unverified contacts.
If your child is interested in using Threema, we recommend that you download the app and explore its features to determine if it aligns with your family’s online safety standards.
In addition to evaluating Threema, here are some general online safety tips to consider:
- Educate about digital literacy: Teach children how to recognize secure websites and legitimate sources, which is crucial in preventing phishing and scams.
- Use privacy settings: Encourage children to make use of privacy settings on all apps and platforms to control who can see their information and posts.
- Set boundaries for screen time: Establish guidelines for how long children can spend online and what types of content they can access.
- Keep software updated: Ensure that all devices used by children have the latest security updates and antivirus software installed.
- Monitor and communicate: Regularly discuss the importance of online safety with your children and be aware of their online activities without intruding on their privacy.
By combining the use of secure apps like Threema with these broader online safety practices, you can better safeguard your children’s digital experiences.