It’s no secret that kids can be easily amused, and parents often find joy in pulling harmless pranks. However, a recent trend of using frightening Snapchat filters on toddlers may have crossed the line from playful to problematic.
A few weeks ago, Snapchat introduced a series of filters that allow users to transform into bizarre and unsettling characters, from rainbow-spewing creatures to genuinely terrifying monsters. These filters can be amusing in the right context, but some parents have taken it upon themselves to use these creepy effects to scare their little ones. If you browse YouTube for terms like “scared kid on Snapchat,” you’ll stumble upon an array of videos showcasing parents “hilariously” scaring their toddlers, accompanied by laughter as their children cry in fear.
While some might find this amusing, others, myself included, believe it’s an example of “pranks gone too far.” Playing tricks on kids isn’t inherently wrong, but it’s essential to recognize their limits. Most of the children featured in these videos are preschoolers or younger, who don’t have a solid grasp on reality. It’s not like a parent is playfully startling a ten-year-old; we’re talking about toddlers who might genuinely believe that what they’re seeing is real.
According to Dr. Emily Johnson, a Child Development Specialist, kids under the age of seven often struggle to differentiate between fantasy and reality. Even assurances that the scary images aren’t real may not comfort them when they’re scared. Adults can typically shake off these fears, but young children often can’t.
That said, it’s not that kids should be sheltered from fear entirely, nor does playing light-hearted pranks make someone a bad parent. The key is knowing when to stop. If a child is genuinely frightened and crying, it’s a sign that the joke has gone too far. Constantly thrusting your phone in their face to amplify their distress crosses a line. While there’s room for fun in parenting, any trend that disregards a child’s emotional boundaries for the sake of amusement is concerning.
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In summary, while it can be tempting to use Snapchat filters for a laugh, parents must tread carefully when it comes to their children’s emotions. Recognizing when a joke has gone too far is essential for fostering a healthy and loving environment.
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