faq - why can't i have snapchat?👻

As a parent or carer, it’s completely normal to hear, “But all my friends have it!” when your child asks about Snapchat. It’s tempting to give in - but this is a great opportunity to set healthy digital boundaries and explain the “why” behind your decision. 

What you can say:
"I know a lot of your friends might have Snapchat, and I get why it looks fun. But my job as your parent is to keep you safe online, just like I do in the real world. Snapchat has some features that make it harder for younger users to stay safe—like disappearing messages and photos. That makes it easier for people to say or share things they normally wouldn’t, without thinking about the consequences."
"Another concern is that strangers can message or add you, and it’s not always obvious who they really are. Even if someone seems friendly, if we don’t know them in real life, we can’t be sure they’re safe."
"Also, even though messages on Snapchat disappear, they’re never truly gone. People can take screenshots or save things without you knowing—and that creates a digital trail that could follow you in ways you didn’t expect."
"Right now, I want to help you learn to use technology safely, and there are other apps that are better suited to your age. As you get older and show you're ready to handle those kinds of risks responsibly, we can revisit the conversation. My goal isn’t to stop you from having fun—it’s to keep you safe while you learn how to navigate the online world."

For further information go to www.kidsonlineworld.com/app---snapchat.html
or onto the Snapchat website directly help.snapchat.com/hc/en-gb/articles/7012304746644-How-do-I-stay-safe-on-Snapchat