SnapChat

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a messaging app where users share photos and videos (called snaps) that vanish after being viewed. It's known for its editing tools and fun filters, making it popular for quick updates and silly exchanges with friends.  

How Does it Work?

• Sign up with name, email/phone number, and birthdate (13+ required).  

• Add friends by contacts, search, or "Snapcode" (unique QR code).  

• Send snaps (photos/videos) with editing tools and filters.  

• Share snaps with individuals, add to your story (visible 24 hours), or share location on Snap Map (optional).  

• Snaps can disappear after viewing (with time limits), but screenshots are possible.

Do messages really disappear on Snapchat?

Sort of. If you set a time limit on a snap, it will disappear after it's viewed. However, recipients can take a screenshot of an image using their phones or a third-party screen-capture app. If someone uses their phone to take a screenshot of what you sent, you will be notified. But screen captures from third-party apps don't trigger a notification. For these reasons, it's best for teens to understand that nothing done online is really temporary. Before sending a snap of themselves or someone else, it's important to remember that it's out of their control after it's shared.

Is Snapchat safe for preteens and teens?

Most kids use Snapchat to goof around and stay in contact with their friends—end of story. Yes, there's some mature content, but it's appropriate for most teens 16 and up. That said, there are three key risky areas:

The myth of disappearing messages. Any app can be misused, but a lot of kids mistakenly believe that Snapchat has a built-in safety valve. Teens really need to understand that the content they share can be saved and shared and may never go away. It's best to have this conversation before they download Snapchat, but it's never too late. Talk about whether any of their friends have ever pressured them to send an inappropriate image, and discuss why someone who would do that does not have your best interests at heart. Kids should also ask permission before sharing a picture of someone else.

The time distraction. Snapchat is a ton of fun to use, and there's lots to discover on it. Snapstreaks and Stories add a time-pressure element that makes kids feel like they have to check in. If it ever seems like your kid is stressing out and not using the app for fun, it's time to step in.

Privacy and safety. Since it's so easy to add friends on Snapchat, you can end up with lots of people you don't know well on your friends list. And depending on your settings, the app can collect a ton of data about your habits in - and outside of - the app. Snapchat also works with a lot of third parties that they share your data with.

How do I monitor Snapchat and use the settings?

The app's Family Center gives parents and caregivers some visibility of their child's usage, including who their child has been communicating with. Adults have to install the app and link their accounts by adding their child as a friend. Their child then needs to accept an invitation to opt in to the Family Center functionality. You won't be able to see specific content your child has sent or received - just their friend list and who they've sent messages, photos, or videos to in the last seven days.

In January 2024, the app announced some new Family Center features. Parents and caregivers will now be able to view their child's privacy settings. Additionally, families will have the option to restrict their kids from using My AI, the app's AI chatbot.

If your kid uses Snapchat, talk with them about the privacy settings. Sit down with your child and together go into the app's settings. This is a perfect time to chat about using their Snapchat account safely and responsibly. Discuss when and how often you'll check in on how they're using it, and how they're feeling about it. Explain that you understand that social media is important to them, and that, at the same time, your role is to protect them. Don't forget to ask your teen to show you some of their snaps and some of the cool features they like in the app. That'll make it a little less scary for you - and send the message that you're on the same team.