App + Game Reviews

Snapchat

Cyber Expert Reviewer:

Jordan Foster

Clinical Child Psychologist

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2020

Snapchat is a popular social media platform where time-limited (i.e. 'self-destructing') photos and videos are shared with friends and the public. The disappearing nature of the content has meant that this app is one of the main apps used for sexting by young people. Young kids also tend to push the boundaries by sending inappropriate snaps and challenges, because parents are unlikely to see the communication. Snapchat's location tracking can also be dangerous. It provides others with pinpoint map locations for your child, it allows them to see videos and images from anyone nearby. Snapchat is also a great advertising place for Influencers and adult entertainment stars, who display their videos on the public area trying to get views

Listen now

Rapid Expert Review

App Store Rating

Ages 18+

ySafe Recommendation

Ages 14+

Parents' Guide to Snapchat

Known Risks

Sexting & Hook-ups

Privacy & Security

2.5

Adult Content

4.5

Cyberbullying

Deception

Violence

Predators

Gambling

Costs

Screen-time

2.5

What parents need to know

Snap Maps

Unless location tracking is turned off, Snapchat will show our child's exact location on a map for their friends and followers to see. Additionally, Snapchat will show you what strangers are posting within your vicinity. All public posts are unmoderated.

Snapchat Stories

Users to post and watch other people's Snapchat Stories. Stories are collections of videos of photos that stay online for up to 24 hours. Kids can see who has looked at their story. Users can also watch stories from other people, including celebrities.

Disappearing Content & Sexting

The nature of the disappearing content makes Snapchat a tough one to supervise. Kids can also feel protected by the limited time a photo or message 'exists' for, and therefore may use Snapchat for cyber bullying, or more commonly, for sexting.

Subscription Section

The Subscription section of Snapchat offers content created by anyone using this app. Discover offers content created by other users, news and entertainment outlets, businesses and celebrities. Users can subscribe to any of these Snapchat videos to ensure they keep seeing this content. The range of content in this section is extensive and can be mature in nature. Subscription stories often feature promos prompting kids to "swipe up" to learn more (which usually leads to ads) or take a quiz (which is usually a marketing tool).

Entering correct age

If you allow your teen to use this app it is essential that they enter their correct date of birth upon signing up. While Snapchat does have a lot of mature content, much of this is fortunately filtered out when the correct age is entered upon signup. According to the terms of service, users must be 13. You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up.

Snapcode

Snapchat generates each user their own QR code. It is easy then to add people using their QR code. Due to the ease of being able to add people, your child may end up interacting with a stranger.

What users need to know

Turning off your map

It is important to remember that revealing your location on any app is risky (even if it is just to your real life friends). It is safest to have your map turned off (Ghost Mode). If your friends want to know where you are they can simply message or call you. The map feature has also been known to cause some issues between friends, as it can make it obvious if someone is excluded from a social activity.

Clever filters

The filters on Snapchat are super fun, and a lot of the time users feel like they look better with a filter on. That's because it's made to be that way. Snapchat will apply facial modifications to make pictures more attractive. It is important to remind yourself that the images and videos you see on Snapchat are not a reflection of real life.

Report cyber bullying

Although many kids use this app for positive communication, there have been several incidents where kids in group chats will bully other students. If you see this happening go to a parent for help and take a screen shot of the communication you have found to be upsetting.

Think before you send!

Remember, even sharing the smallest details about ourselves can put us at risk. Make sure you aren't revealing any of your real life information and be sure to only share your photos and videos with real life friends. Intimate photos and videos are often screen recorded by other people, including people taking photos or videos with a different device. Remember, once something is sent online you no longer have control over where it goes.

How tos

Making Snapchat safer

Turning on privacy settings

1. When opening the app, tap left side profile picture

2. In the top right hand corner, click on the Settings button (the gear)

3. Under the 'Who Can...' section, set everything to 'My Friends'

4 . Click on 'See me in Quick Add' and turn off

Turning off location tracking

1. Launch the app, and pinch the screen top open Snap Maps

2. In the top right hand corner, click on the Settings button (the gear)

3. Under the 'Who Can...' section, click on 'See My Location'

4. Turn on 'Ghost Mode

Features

Messaging
Photo and Video Sharing
Gaming
Celebrity Following
Video Streaming
Disappearing Messages
Chat
Location Tracking
Decoy and Deception
Live Streaming

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