What is it?
Snapchat is a trendy app where users can send text, photos, and videos that disappear after a short time. It also enables real-time chatting through text or video.
Why do teens and tweens love it?
Its appeal lies in the thrill of sending messages that vanish within seconds (up to 10 seconds, to be exact). Plus, it’s free and only needs a Wi-Fi connection to work.
Why should parents pay attention?
Snapchat’s disappearing act has led to a reputation for being a platform for sexting. While many kids and adults use it as a texting alternative, the allure of sending messages without a permanent record can push tweens and teens to share things they normally wouldn’t think twice about.
How many kids are using it?
Since its launch, Snapchat has skyrocketed in popularity. Estimates suggest there are over 100 million users, with about 32% aged 13 to 17. Although Snapchat claims it’s not meant for kids under 13, many savvy tweens can easily bypass those age restrictions. In fact, it seems most parents I spoke with know at least one of their child’s friends who is on Snapchat, even if they won’t admit their own kids are using it!
How are kids engaging with it?
Many tweens and teens are opting for Snapchat over traditional texting, either to avoid data plan charges or because they like the idea of no permanent record of their conversations.
How can parents keep an eye on it?
Monitoring Snapchat isn’t straightforward. Unlike other social apps where you can easily connect with your child, Snapchat doesn’t save messages. Parents can ask their kids to show their “Story,” which displays their activities over the past 24 hours, but this can be hit or miss. Users control what they share, so you may not get the full picture. For the more tech-savvy parents out there, there’s mSpy, a monitoring software that can track Snapchat and other activities on a child’s phone. However, this comes at a cost and I’d recommend discussing it with your child first, even if the app runs unnoticed in the background.
Why you can breathe a little easier:
While Snapchat does have its risks, it’s not drastically worse than many other messaging apps. Personally, my daughter doesn’t use it, but it has opened the door for discussions about online privacy—specifically, what’s appropriate to share online. Using Snapchat as a cautionary tale can be a useful conversation starter.
Why should parents be concerned?
Of all the messaging apps, Snapchat is the one that gives me the most pause. The combination of ephemeral messaging and a false sense of security about saving images is troubling. Although Snapchat alerts senders if a screenshot is taken, there are countless third-party apps that can bypass this notification. Snapchat’s own guide for parents notes that “100% safe sharing doesn’t exist” in the digital realm.
The thought of your child sending or receiving inappropriate messages is daunting, and Snapchat can also be a playground for bullies who believe their comments can’t be traced. More alarmingly, it’s often used by predators. A notable story in Glamour revealed how a girl named Ella was coerced into sending explicit pictures under the threat of exposure, highlighting the dangers lurking in what seems like a harmless app.
Ultimately, like any other social media platform, it’s essential for parents to educate themselves about Snapchat’s features and the potential risks involved. I suggest sharing that Glamour article with your tweens as part of a broader discussion about social media use.
For more insights into home insemination and parenting, check out this fantastic resource on infertility and don’t miss our guide on the home insemination kit.
Summary:
Snapchat is a popular messaging app among tweens and teens, known for its disappearing messages. While it can serve as a tool for casual communication, it also poses risks related to privacy, sexting, and cyberbullying. Parents should remain informed about the app’s features and engage in discussions with their children about appropriate online behavior.