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 hugely popular among teenagers and young adults since its launch in 2011. However, Snapchat does have an age limit that users must comply with in order to create an account and use the app. In this article, we will look at what Snapchat’s age limit is, why they have this limit in place, and the implications of the age requirement.
What is the minimum age to use Snapchat?
According to Snapchat’s Terms of Service, the minimum required age to create an account and use Snapchat is 13 years old. This is the age limit imposed across all of Snapchat’s platforms and services. Users must be at least 13 years old to register for an account, send Snaps, create Stories, use Chat, explore content on Discover, and utilize any other features on Snapchat.
The relevant section in Snapchat’s TOS states:
“No one under 13 is allowed to create an account or use the Services. We may offer additional Services that require you to be older to use them, so please read all notices and any Additional Terms carefully when you access the Services.”
So in summary, 13 years old is the baseline minimum age stated in Snapchat’s official terms for using their app and services. Any user younger than 13 is prohibited from accessing Snapchat.
Why does Snapchat have an age limit?
There are a few key reasons why Snapchat has imposed this age restriction:
Compliance with COPPA
Snapchat’s 13-year age limit aims to comply with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other similar international children’s privacy protection laws. COPPA regulates how internet platforms, apps and websites collect personal data from children under 13 years old. Setting an age limit helps Snapchat avoid subjecting children under 13 to data collection practices that would violate COPPA rules.
Safety of younger users
Snapchat has stated that their age limit aims to protect the safety of younger children who may not be mature enough to use Snapchat responsibly. Features like ephemeral messaging, Stories, user location sharing, and public content on Discover require judgment in usage. Snapchat wants to prevent exposure of younger users to potentially inappropriate content or conduct on the platform.
Advertiser preferences
Many of Snapchat’s advertisers may prefer to limit their ads from reaching very young audiences under 13. The age limit allows Snapchat to segment its under-13 audience and provide age-appropriate ad experiences to comply with advertiser preferences and industry regulations.
Maturity level of the app
Snapchat’s features have been designed for teen and adult users. The content and complexity of features may not be a good fit for much younger children. So the age limit aims to maintain Snapchat’s positioning as a teen/adult platform, rather than being used very young kids.
What happens if you’re under 13 and use Snapchat?
Snapchat takes active measures to enforce their 13-year age limit on signups. Here are some consequences users under 13 may face:
Account deletion
If Snapchat finds out a user is underage, they will delete the account. Signs that may trigger an investigation include users self-disclosing their age under 13 in profile info or communication within the app.
Ban evasion detection
If underage users try to create a new account after being deleted, Snapchat uses advanced technologies to detect ban evasion attempts. They may block devices or IP addresses associated with the underage account.
Legal guardian consent required
For users between 13-18, Snapchat may require new consent verification from a legal guardian to reactivate a deleted account. This can involve providing official ID, written consent statements, or other proof of guardian permissions.
Limitations on features/privacy
Accounts identified as being used by under-13s may have limitations placed on features like friend adding, location sharing, or discoverability. This protects their privacy while still allowing some access.
Civil penalties
In extreme cases, underage use of Snapchat may be reported to authorities as violation of COPPA. This could potentially lead to civil penalties from FTC enforcement actions. However, the likelihood is very low of penalties for individual underage users.
So in summary – using Snapchat under the age of 13 can lead to account deletions, restrictions, and other consequences enforced by Snapchat’s age policies. The impacts become more pronounced the younger the child is.
Tips for parents of under-13 Snapchat users
For parents whose children under 13 have accessed Snapchat, here are some tips:
Monitor your child’s online activities
Use parental controls and family safety tools to maintain visibility into your child’s device usage and access attempts on apps like Snapchat. Being informed helps guide conversations about online safety.
Discuss online safety practices
Have open conversations about online safety principles like avoiding strangers, being aware of privacy settings, not sharing personal details, and acting responsibly when communicating online. Adapt discussions to your child’s maturity level.
Reinforce the age limit requirement
Clearly convey Snapchat’s 13+ age limit and explain why online rules exist to protect children. Make sure your child understands they need to wait patiently until age 13.
Explore alternative apps together
Snapchat may be very popular among older peers, but guide your child to age-appropriate apps to avoid temptation for underage access. Collaborate on finding apps that align with your family’s values.
Report underage accounts
You can report likely underage accounts to Snapchat for deletion. While supervision and conversations should take precedence, reporting helps enforce age limits across the platform.
Staying engaged, having ongoing dialogs about online safety, and reinforcing responsible usage is key to helping children avoid age-inappropriate apps and activities. With maturity, they can eventually use Snapchat properly at age 13.
Does Snapchat enforce its age limit well?
Snapchat is considered to have a strong system for enforcing their minimum age requirement, especially relative to other social media platforms. Here are some of their efforts:
Age gate during signup
Right at the signup flow, Snapchat presents an age gate and requires users to confirm they are at least 13 years old before allowing account creation. This creates an immediate awareness of the requirement.
AI account review
Accounts with suspicious qualities that imply the user is under 13 are flagged for follow-up review. Artificial intelligence helps identify accounts that merit investigation.
User reporting
Snapchat provides an in-app mechanism for users to report accounts that appear to violate the age policy. This allows crowd-sourced identification of likely underage users.
Identity verification
In some cases, Snapchat prompts the user to provide proof of identity such as photo ID to manually verify their age and unlock flagged accounts.
Deleted account blocking
As mentioned earlier, Snapchat employs technologies to prevent deleted accounts from easily being recreated. Ban evasion is actively monitored and prevented.
COPPA compliance
Snapchat claims that their age limit enforcement is designed to fully comply with COPPA rules around preserving children’s online privacy.
While no system is always perfect, Snapchat makes meaningful efforts to enforce their age policies and prevent access by underage users through a layered defense approach.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s minimum required age is clearly defined in their Terms of Service as 13 years old. This age limit aims to comply with COPPA children’s privacy regulations, protect younger users who may not be ready for the app experience, and match the preferences of Snapchat’s advertiser base.
Accounts being used by children under 13 face a high likelihood of being deleted once identified, with barriers placed on creating new accounts. Parents need to monitor their under-13 child’s online activities and have constructive conversations about online safety and age-appropriate apps.
Snapchat is more proactive than many other platforms in enforcing age limits through age gates, AI account reviews, identity verification, and blocking of deleted accounts. While no system is perfect, Snapchat takes meaningful steps to restrict access to underage users in alignment with their 13+ age policy and COPPA compliance requirements.