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Is Snapchat safe for 12 year olds?

Is Snapchat safe for 12 year olds?

Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. The app has become very popular among teenagers and young adults. However, many parents have concerns about whether Snapchat is safe for their pre-teen and young teen children to use.

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a messaging app created in 2011 that allows users to send photos, videos, text and drawings that expire after being viewed. Users can set a time limit of 1 to 10 seconds for how long recipients can view a snap before it disappears. The app was designed to create a more authentic, temporary sharing experience compared to permanent social media posts.

Some key features of Snapchat include:

  • Snaps – Photos or videos taken directly within the app or uploaded from the camera roll. A time limit of 1-10 seconds can be set before they disappear.
  • Stories – Photos and videos compiled together that remain available for 24 hours.
  • Chat – Users can exchange text messages, photos, videos that disappear when the chat is closed.
  • Lenses – Fun filters and effects that can be added to snaps.
  • Discover – An area to explore content and stories from brands, media companies and celebrities.

Snapchat is free to download and use. Additional features like filters and lenses can be purchased as in-app purchases. It’s estimated over 265 million people use Snapchat every day.

What are the Age Requirements for Snapchat?

According to Snapchat’s Terms of Service, users must be at least 13 years old to create an account and use the app. This is in line with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.

When setting up a new account, Snapchat asks users to provide their date of birth. Those who enter a date indicating they are under 13 are unable to create an account. However, there are no effective age verification systems in place.

Potential Risks of Snapchat for 12 Year Olds

While Snapchat can seem fun and harmless for pre-teens and younger teens, there are some potential risks parents should be aware of:

  • Inappropriate content – While snaps disappear, users may still be exposed to mature content or subject matter that isn’t appropriate for their age, either from friends or public accounts on Snapchat Discover.
  • Bullying and harassment – The temporary nature of snaps can embolden some users to send more provocative or unkind messages and images. Snapchat has struggled with teens using their platform for bullying and sexting.
  • Location sharing – The Snap Map lets users share their real-time location with friends. Turning off location sharing doesn’t completely hide a user’s location. Predators can potentially take advantage of this.
  • Stranger danger – With no age verification, adults can pose as teens and interact with unsuspecting minors on the platform.
  • Privacy concerns – Despite snaps disappearing, nothing fully disappears from the internet. Snapchat has access to all messages, images and interactions on their servers. Their privacy policy allows them to store and use this data.
  • Addiction – Snapchat can be addictive, especially for pre-teens desperate to use the latest fun app their friends are on. The constant snapping can become compulsive.

These risks are things for parents to seriously consider before allowing their 12 year old to use Snapchat, even if it seems like “everyone their age is doing it.”

Tips for Parents of 12 Year Olds Using Snapchat

If you choose to allow your 12 year old to use Snapchat, there are some precautions parents can take to maximize their child’s safety and security:

  • Have an open conversation about responsible use of social media and the potential dangers of oversharing.
  • Make sure your child only friends people they know in real life. Talk to them about what to watch for in on-line only “friends.”
  • Set their account settings to “Ghost Mode” so only friends can see their location on the Snap Map.
  • Disable Quick Add feature that allows random Snapchatters to add them.
  • Set their account to private so only accepted friends can send them snaps.
  • Regularly check their friend list and chat history. Use features like Parental Controls when available.
  • Remind them not to send anything to “friends” they wouldn’t want a parent or teacher to see.
  • Caution them not to screenshot embarrassing images or conversations as they can still be shared.

Having open and honest conversations is key. Outline your expectations and rules for use. Make sure your child feels comfortable coming to you if they encounter questionable content or users.

Safe Alternatives to Snapchat for 12 Year Olds

If after assessing the risks you still feel Snapchat isn’t appropriate for your pre-teen, there are some safer alternatives that provide a fun messaging experience without as much exposure to the dangers of social media.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo is a popular video and voice messaging app aimed at kids ages 5-15. Parents must approve new contacts. Privacy controls allow you to restrict who can message your child. While not impervious to cyberbullying, its focus on parent controls provides a safer environment.

Wickr Me

Wickr Me is an encrypted messaging app that allows users to set time limits for messages to delete after delivery. Designed with privacy as a priority, parents can feel more secure about who their kids are messaging with.

Sago Mini World

Sago Mini World provides a safe space for younger kids to be creative. Kids can customize characters and backgrounds then message friends. This controlled environment lets kids message without broader social media exposure.

Lego Life

Combining Legos and social media, Lego Life enables kids under 13 to share Lego creations with other users. Parental controls allow screening of all content and communications for total supervision.

Pinwheel

Pinwheel is a child-friendly video chat platform. Kids get their own network of family and friends approved by parents. Supervision controls and screening features create secure video chatting.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, every parent needs to evaluate their own child’s maturity and responsibility in determining if Snapchat, or any social media, is appropriate. While Snapchat does not meet the recommended age requirement of 13+ for social media, staying involved, setting expectations and exploring safer alternatives can allow pre-teens to avoid FOMO while still staying safe online.