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Is Snapchat safe for kids?

Is Snapchat safe for kids?

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 widely popular among teenagers and young adults, with over 265 million daily active users as of Q2 2022. However, many parents have concerns about potential risks for kids using Snapchat. This article examines the key factors to consider regarding Snapchat’s safety and appropriateness for kids and teens.

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a mobile messaging app created in 2011 that lets users send photo, video, text and drawing messages or “snaps” to friends. Users can add filters, stickers, text and drawings to enhance their snaps. A key feature of Snapchat is that by default, snaps disappear after being viewed. Recipients can screenshot or record snaps they receive, but the sender will get a notification if they do. Snapchat also has Stories, where users can post snaps that remain viewable for 24 hours. Additionally, the Discover page offers clickable content from media companies and celebrities.

Some other Snapchat features include:

  • Lenses – Fun filters and effects that overlay animations onto a user’s face or environment.
  • Snap Map – Lets users share their location on a map with friends.
  • Snapkidz – A parent-monitored version for kids under 13.
  • Chat – Allows messaging without sharing snaps.
  • Snapcash – Lets users send money through the app.

With its playful features and ephemerality, Snapchat aims to provide an enjoyable way for users to share experiences. However, the temporary nature of snaps may promote more risk-taking behavior among teenagers.

Snapchat User Demographics

Here are some key facts about who uses Snapchat:

  • As of 2022, over 75% of Snapchat’s daily active users are between the ages of 13 and 34.
  • In the U.S., over 90% of 13-24 year olds and 75% of 25-34 year olds use Snapchat.
  • Snapchat estimates that over 40% of its global daily active users are younger than 25.
  • Teenagers and young adults make up the majority of Snapchat users.

This data indicates that Snapchat is extremely popular among the youth demographic, especially teens. While adults also use Snapchat, kids and younger teens are clearly among its core user base.

Benefits of Snapchat

When used responsibly, Snapchat can offer some positive benefits for kids and teens:

Self-Expression

Snapchat provides a fun creative outlet for kids to express themselves through photos, videos, drawings, filters, lenses and more. They can showcase their silly side and share glimpses into their lives and interests.

Bonding with Friends

Exchanging Snaps back and forth allows kids to feel connected with friends in a casual way. The ephemerality creates an informal, in-the-moment way for kids to interact within their social circles.

Learning Technical Skills

Using Snapchat can help kids build skills in photography, videography and photo editing by creatively using the app’s features. They also develop technical aptitude in terms of uploading, messaging and managing content on a mobile application.

Entertainment

Snapchat offers entertainment value through its filters, lenses, stories, Discover content and Snap Games. For tweens and teens, having fun on the app may be Snapchat’s biggest appeal.

Risks of Snapchat for Kids

However, Snapchat also carries numerous risks that parents should be aware of. Here are some of the key Snapchat dangers that can impact kids:

Cyberbullying

Like on any social media platform, bullying can occur on Snapchat. Teens may use the app to send embarrassing photos of classmates, spread rumors, or embarrass someone with unflattering imagery. The seemingly disappearing images can embolden kids to send nastier messages than they would on platforms like Facebook.

Sexting

Snapchat is often used for sexting – sending sexually explicit messages, photos and videos. Teens may feel emboldened to send risqué snaps, thinking that the images disappear. However, recipients can screenshot or record this content without the sender knowing, and sexts can be widely leaked and go viral. Sexting can lead to bullying, blackmail, or legal issues.

Impulsiveness

The ephemeral nature of snaps encourages impulsive, silly, and risk-taking behavior. Kids may send inappropriate content without thinking it through. The app itself is designed to promote quick photo sharing without a lot of forethought.

Over-Usage

Snapchat can be habit-forming and addictive, especially with features like Snapstreaks that encourage constant use. Kids may become overly attached to the app, using it excessively to the detriment of other activities.

Privacy Risks

While snaps disappear, Snapchat still collects a lot of personal data, and privacy policies may change over time. There have been security issues like leaked phone numbers and exposed locations. Discover content also contains advertising that caters to kids.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

While Snapchat has some protections, kids can still easily access inappropriate, sexually explicit, or uncensored content. Strangers can also contact kids directly. Without parental controls, Snapchat opens the door for kids to have unhealthy experiences.

Snapchat Safety Features

Snapchat has implemented various safety features over time, including:

Reporting tools

Users can report abuse, bullying, inappropriate snaps, stories, and more. Snapchat reviews these reports and takes action against guideline violations.

Blocking

Kids can block specific friends or users so that those accounts can no longer view their content or contact them on Snapchat.

Deleting recipients

Kids can choose exactly which friends can view their stories, preventing unwanted sharing.

Security notifications

Snapchat alerts kids when someone has screenshotted or recorded their snaps to increase accountability.

Privacy settings

Certain settings allow users to limit who can contact them, view their stories and see their location on the Snap Map.

Verified accounts

Snapchat confirms official celebrity, brand, media accounts to prevent impersonation and fake news.

Snapkidz

The Snapkidz version requires parental consent for kids under 13 to access a more restricted version of Snapchat.

However, Snapchat still lacks strong parental control tools. Anyone can sign up for an account by providing a birthdate, with no verification. And workarounds exist to bypass restrictions based on age.

Recommended Age Limits for Snapchat

Many parents want to know what age is okay for a child to start using Snapchat. Here are some expert recommendations on age limits:

  • Common Sense Media – 13+
  • ConnectSafely – 13+, or 16+ without parental permission
  • Snapchat’s Terms of Service – 13+
  • Snapkidz – Under 13 with parental consent

The default 13+ age limit aligns with Coppa child privacy rules. But some experts argue 16+, or 13+ with active parent involvement, is more appropriate given the risks of Snapchat. Ultimately, the right age depends on the individual child’s maturity level.

Tips for Safe Snapchat Use

If a parent does allow Snapchat, these tips can help kids use it safely:

  • Set time limits for how long teens can spend on Snapchat daily/weekly
  • Require kids to use Snapchat in public areas at home
  • Discuss responsible usage of filters/lenses
  • Talk about the dangers of screenshotting/recording snaps
  • Warn kids to never send sexually explicit images
  • Make expectations clear on appropriate content to send
  • Caution kids about impersonators and strangers contacting them
  • Teach kids to watch out for signs of cyberbullying and sexting
  • Instruct kids to never share personal info over Snapchat
  • Consider using parental control tools from the app store

With frequent conversations about online safety, parents can guide kids to use Snapchat in an appropriate, responsible way. But ultimately, supervising Snapchat use poses challenges.

Arguments for Not Allowing Kids on Snapchat

Here are some of the main reasons a parent may ban Snapchat usage completely:

Can’t fully control usage

It’s extremely difficult for a parent to monitor what their child sends or views on Snapchat due to the disappearing content. Dangerous teen behavior is harder to catch.

Promotes risky sharing

The privacy of snaps promotes fast, impulsive sharing without considering consequences. Teens may reveal too much.

Overuse and addiction

Snapchat can easily become a distraction and compulsion. Usage can displace healthy activities.

User verification failures

It’s far too easy for kids under 13 to use Snapchat without parental approval. Age screening is ineffective.

Gateway to explicit content

Sexual imagery and conversations can spread rapidly between teens on Snapchat. It can warp kids’ views of healthy relationships.

Facilitates cheating and inappropriate contact

Disappearing messages make it easy for kids to hide communication with boyfriends/girlfriends and strangers.

Privacy risks

Snapchat collects data and tracks usage that could potentially be exposed or exploited, impacting kids’ privacy and security.

Many parents simply aren’t comfortable with the overall culture and unpredictable elements of Snapchat that can be extremely difficult to oversee.

Alternatives to Snapchat

If allowing Snapchat seems too risky, parents can suggest or approve alternative apps and activities for kids, such as:

  • Photo/video apps like Instagram (with controls), VSCO, or YouTube
  • Creativity apps like Stop Motion Studio or Flipagram
  • Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger Kids
  • Learning to code or build an app
  • Extracurricular activities – sports, arts, volunteering
  • Spending more in-person time with friends

While kids may be disappointed not to use Snapchat, there are plenty of safer, more productive ways for them to express themselves, bond with friends and have fun.

The Bottom Line

Snapchat is an extremely popular app with teenagers, but also comes with risks like cyberbullying, sexting, privacy issues and overuse. While Snapchat offers some safety features, its core premise of deleting messages promotes irresponsible teen behavior that parents can’t fully monitor.

For pre-teens under 13, most experts strongly advise against Snapchat. For teens 13-16, solid arguments exist on both sides. On one hand, Snapchat is a ubiquitous app that provides social connections. But on the other, its dangers substantially outweigh the benefits for many parents.

Ultimately, parents need to make an informed decision based on their child’s maturity, responsibility and past behavior. Setting limitations and having ongoing conversations can help somewhat in allowing Snapchat safely. But banning Snapchat use altogether is reasonable for parents who determine Snapchat’s risks are too high during their kid’s formative years.