Updated: Aug. 5, 2016
Originally Published: July 28, 2015
What it is:
Snapchat is a popular app that enables users to send disappearing text, photo, and video messages, as well as engage in real-time chats through text or video.
Why it’s a hit with tweens and teens:
The allure of Snapchat lies in its self-destructing messages that vanish after a set duration (up to 10 seconds). It’s free and only requires Wi-Fi, making it a go-to choice for many young users.
Why it matters:
The app’s ephemeral nature has led to its notorious association with sexting. While there are certainly many young people using Snapchat for innocuous communication, the app presents a greater temptation compared to other messaging platforms. Even tech-savvy tweens might mistakenly believe it’s safe to share texts or images that they wouldn’t typically post online.
How many kids are on it:
Since its launch, Snapchat’s user base has skyrocketed, with estimates suggesting over 100 million users, including about 32 percent aged 13 to 17. Although Snapchat is designed for users aged 13 and older, many tweens know how to bypass age restrictions—if they don’t know, a quick online search will reveal all. Anecdotally, while few parents admit their children use the app, it’s widely recognized that many kids have access to it through friends.
How kids utilize it:
Many tweens and teens prefer Snapchat over traditional texting, either due to a lack of data plans or the appeal of having no permanent record of their conversations.
Monitoring challenges for parents:
Keeping tabs on Snapchat is tricky. Unlike other platforms where parents can easily connect with their children to see their communications, Snapchat doesn’t save messages automatically. Parents might request their kids to show their “Story”—a summary of their activities over the past 24 hours—but this method is far from reliable, as users can choose what to share. For those feeling particularly concerned, monitoring software like mSpy (which ranges from $16 to $70 monthly) can provide insights into Snapchat usage, although it’s advisable to inform your child if you decide to use such tools.
A little reassurance for parents:
While it’s hard to find silver linings, Snapchat isn’t significantly worse than many other messaging apps out there. For instance, while my daughter doesn’t use Snapchat, discussing it with her friends has opened up meaningful conversations about online privacy and the importance of thinking before sending messages—especially those that could be embarrassing or harmful.
Reasons for concern:
Snapchat is one of the more alarming messaging apps available. It encourages kids to share content they wouldn’t want to last longer than a mere 10 seconds, fostering a false sense of security about the permanence of their images. Although Snapchat alerts users if their messages are screen-captured, numerous third-party apps exist that bypass these notifications (just search “how to save photos from Snapchat” for a shocking revelation). Their parents’ guide even admits, “as always with digital media, 100% safe sharing doesn’t exist.”
The risks go beyond inappropriate content; Snapchat can also be a haven for bullies who believe their comments can’t be traced. Even more insidious, it’s a favored tool for predators looking to exploit young users. For example, a story in Glamour details how a girl named Mia was manipulated into sending explicit photos under the threat of having her own images shared. She was just one of many victims targeted.
While Snapchat isn’t the only app where predators operate, it poses unique dangers due to its perceived safety, encouraging kids to share content they might otherwise hesitate to send. As daunting as it may seem, it’s crucial for parents to familiarize themselves with the features and risks associated with each app. They should remain engaged in conversations about who their children are communicating with online. This article offers a solid starting point for those discussions. For further reading, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Snapchat is a widely used app among tweens and teens, known for its self-destructing messages. While it can facilitate fun interactions, it also presents significant risks, including sexting and exploitation. Parents should educate themselves about the app’s features and dangers, maintain open dialogue with their children, and approach monitoring thoughtfully.
Keyphrase: Snapchat for tweens
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