Snapchat has long been well-liked for enabling users to share disappearing photos and videos, which is typically viewed as a benefit by many users—especially those who are worried about their security and privacy.
You might still be concerned as a parent, though, about whether your child belongs on the platform. Don’t worry, we’ll go over Snapchat’s benefits and drawbacks in today’s blog post, which will help you choose whether or not it’s appropriate for children and teenagers. Now let’s get started.
Pros and Cons of Snapchat for Parents
To shield your children from sensitive or unsuitable content, it’s crucial to constantly be aware of the platforms and websites they have access to.
Snapchat’s unique effects are safe and make it entertaining to use, however exchanging brief pictures can be exploited for inappropriate purposes. Therefore, you need to be aware of the potential effects the app may have on your kids.
Pros of Snapchat:
Here are some reasons to think about utilizing Snapchat:
- Improved content classification: Snapchat is less likely to expose children to inappropriate or age-restricted content because its algorithm is based on user preferences. On the Spotlight page, the majority of the content is from the folks they follow.
- Reduced chance of private photos getting out: Any photograph or video sent as a snap is immediately removed. Additionally, you will be alerted, in contrast to other messaging platforms, whenever the recipient saves or screenshots a picture.
- Reduced likelihood of getting messages from strangers: Anyone can message you on other platforms with ease. On the other hand, interaction is limited to when someone adds you and you add them back. Therefore, unless you add random folks, everything should be OK.Use the Discover section to view news: Snapchat provides access to a variety of channels featuring news, entertainment, and instructional content. Children can discover new passions.
- Many choices for privacy: Snapchat gives you and your child the ability to control who can contact them and exchange snaps with them thanks to its robust privacy settings. It is also your responsibility as parents to monitor it and ensure that your child is using the app safely.
- Track someone’s location with Snap Map: One of Snapchat’s built-in features allows you to find out where someone is. You follow your child through it as a parent.
Drawbacks using Snapchat:
Now that you are aware of Snapchat’s benefits, let’s discuss its drawbacks:
- Danger of photos being screenshotted: If the recipient has screenshotted any of your offensive photos, which could be purposefully used against you, you are powerless to stop it even though you have been notified.tales can also be posted in public mode on Snapchat. However, doing so puts your tales at danger because individuals you haven’t added can see them.
- Increased likelihood of location compromise: One drawback of Snap Map is that, just as you can use it to track down your child, an outsider can do the same. Therefore, you must disable their location on Snapchat. Content deemed sensitive: The Discover section may include mature and graphic images or movies that your youngster may come into contact with.
- Potential for cyberbullying: Snaps can occasionally be used to communicate offensive images or movies because they vanish rapidly. This might make abusers feel less accountable for their actions, which can result in cyberbullying.
- Addictive in nature: Like a lot of other social media platforms, Snapchat may become obsessive, leading to excessive screen time and negative consequences for mental health.
What is the minimum age to use Snapchat?
To use Snapchat, a user must be at least 13 years old, per the app’s legal terms and conditions.
Potential Risks Parents Should Be Aware of with Snapchat
Like any other social media platform, Snapchat may provide certain risks that parents need to be aware of. These risks include:
Hackers: Notwithstanding the Snapchat team’s best efforts to protect the confidentiality of the data shared over the platform, hackers may always manipulate systems to obtain personal information and utilize it without warning.
Primary or secondary screenshot: Although Snapchat notifies users when someone screenshots their stories or snaps, it can be concerning because it doesn’t alert you when someone screen records your snaps.
Location Sharing: Users’ privacy and security may be compromised by enabling them to instantaneously share their location with others using Snapchat’s Snap Map feature.
Cyberbullying: Because snaps are so fleeting, it can oftentimes be difficult to provide evidence of bullying, and perpetrators may grow more comfortable with their anonymity.
Is a 12-Year-Old Safe to Use Snapchat?
A child under the age of 13 is unable to register for an account on Snapchat because of the age restriction. Additionally, we do not advise doing the same.
Is 13-year-olds Safe on Snapchat?
Yes, 13-year-olds are able to legally register for an account on Snapchat. But since they are impressionable, their parents should closely watch everything they do online.
Is a 10-Year-Old Safe to Use Snapchat?
No, it is not advised for a ten-year-old to use Snapchat due to the possibility of encountering sensitive material on the platform.
Is a 14-Year-Old Safe to Use Snapchat?
Yes, a 14-year-old can use Snapchat to communicate with friends and share pictures safely as long as they have parental supervision.
Is a 9-Year-Old Safe to Use Snapchat?
No, children as young as nine should not use Snapchat. It is important for parents to consider whether their children are mature enough to handle explicit content and whether they are aware of the risks involved in sharing anything.
How to Protect Your Children on Snapchat
Here are some safety guidelines and precautions you can take if your child uses Snapchat to make sure they stay safe:
- Strictly modify the account’s privacy settings
- Check their messages, pictures, and friends list from time to time, and only allow them to add individuals they know.
- Establish limits for screen time and ensure that they are adhered to.
- Talk about the value of privacy and how to share photos with others in a responsible manner.
- Push them to communicate with you and let you know about any inappropriate activities they encounter on Snapchat.
- Children should learn from their parents how to spot and report cyberbullying.