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If you’ve heard your teen or tween talking about Snapchat and you’re not quite sure what it is or whether it’s safe, you’re not alone. Here’s a straightforward guide to how Snapchat works, what to watch out for, and practical steps you can take to help your child use it safely.
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a photo- and video-sharing app with a twist: the photos and videos you send disappear shortly after they’re viewed. Senders can choose how long a “snap” stays visible before it vanishes.
Users love the spontaneity of that — it feels like sharing without a lasting digital footprint. However, it’s important for parents and teens to know that there are still ways to capture and save images (screenshots, for example), so no one should assume that what’s shared on Snapchat is ever truly gone for good.
Snapchat runs on iPhone and Android phones, as well as tablets and iPod Touch devices, which are often used by younger children too. It was originally developed as an alternative to more “permanent” social networks, where photos and posts can stay visible indefinitely and users can feel pressure around how they present themselves online.
Because snaps feel temporary, users can feel less inhibited than they would on other platforms — which sometimes means more casual, and occasionally inappropriate, photos get shared than a person might otherwise send.
Snapchat has also expanded well beyond simple disappearing photos over the years, adding features like group chats, messaging, and ways to share updates with your wider circle of friends for a set period of time. Because these chat and messaging features make it easy for teens to communicate, it’s worth talking to your child about who they’re chatting with and what they’re sharing, just as you would with any messaging app.
You may also find these useful – A Parent’s Guide to the Fling App & Parent’s Guide to Instagram
Things Parents and Teens Should Be Aware Of
1) Although snaps are set to “disappear,” the person viewing them has ample time to take a screenshot before the photo vanishes.
2) The app allows anonymous or false account names, so it’s worth encouraging your child to only add people they already know well in real life.
3) Snapchat’s stated minimum age is 13.
4) A simple rule of thumb for teens: don’t share an image you wouldn’t want to see turn up again somewhere else.
May also find this useful – Advice for Parents on Cyber-Bullying & 11 Apps and Sites to be Aware Of
Video Guide: Practical Snapchat Safety Tips
MyKidsTime asked Greg Fry, a parent and social media practitioner, to put together a series of short videos with practical internet safety advice for parents. Here’s the full series, covering everything from the basics of Snapchat to keeping your child’s account safe.
Intro: What is Snapchat?
Make Sure Only Real Friends Can Send Messages
How to Block a User on Snapchat
Beware Images May Reappear
How to Report Inappropriate Behaviour on Snapchat
How to Delete a Snapchat Account
May also find these useful – Parent’s Guide to Social Media Sites Popular with Kids & Ultimate Technology Guide for Kids & Parents
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child use Snapchat?
Snapchat’s stated minimum age is 13. As with any app, it’s worth checking the current terms yourself and using your own judgement about whether your child is ready, regardless of the stated age.
Do Snapchat photos really disappear forever?
Not necessarily. While photos are designed to vanish after being viewed, anyone can take a screenshot in the time before it disappears. It’s best to encourage your child to treat everything they share as potentially permanent.
How do I block someone on Snapchat?
Our video guide above, “How to Block a User on Snapchat,” walks through the steps.
How do I report inappropriate behaviour on Snapchat?
See our video “How to Report Inappropriate Behaviour on Snapchat” above for a step-by-step walkthrough.
How do I delete a Snapchat account?
Check out our video “How to Delete a Snapchat Account” above for the full process.
Related Articles
- A Parent’s Guide to the Fling App
- Parent’s Guide to Instagram
- Advice for Parents on Cyber-Bullying
- 11 Apps and Sites to be Aware Of
- Parent’s Guide to Social Media Sites Popular with Kids
- Ultimate Technology Guide for Kids & Parents
Want More Parenting Tips Like This?
Browse our full collection of family life and online safety guides for more practical advice on helping your kids navigate social media and apps safely.
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