SNAPCHAT
SNAPCHAT
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+ WHAT IS IT? Snapchat is a messaging app where users can create messages, known as “snaps”, which can come in the form of a short video, a photo, or text. Snaps can be sent directly to contacts within the app, or uploaded to a story feed, available for 24 hours after upload. Snaps are easy to customise, letting users add filters, special effects, drawings, and captions. Snapchat’s features also allow for location sharing with the “Snap Map”. WHAT WE SAY: ‼️Treat with extreme caution. Snapchat is the most widely-used platform for online grooming, according to police figures supplied to the children's charity the NSPCC (2024). 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Snapchat can expose users to unmoderated content, including inappropriate photos, sexualised content, graphic images and adult language. Since users create their own profiles and share images freely, it's easy for inappropriate material to appear. Without strict content filters, teens using the app can quickly encounter not suitable for their age. 📍Location Sharing Snapchat allows users to tag their location in posts, Stories, and Reels. This can expose real-time whereabouts and frequent locations like home, school, or clubs — even to strangers. Children may unintentionally reveal patterns or personal details that could be misused. Even with a private account, location tags are clickable and can link to public posts from the same place. 💬 Direct Messaging Snapchat’s main feature is direct messaging through photos and videos that disappear. This makes it easy to share privately, but also opens the door to risky behaviour like sexting or bullying especially since it's hard to prove what was said or sent. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Snapchat collects personal data, including location (via Snap Map), contacts, photos, and usage behaviour. Many users unknowingly share more than intended through public Stories or location features. Disappearing messages give a false sense of privacy, even though screenshots or third-party apps can still capture and misuse content. 🚨Disappearing Messages Because Snapchat messages disappear after being viewed, users may feel a false sense of security. This can lead to risky behaviour, like sending messages or images they wouldn’t normally share—especially among younger users who think the content is gone for good. Snapchat does have a feature that tells users if their message has been screenshotted, but nothing prevents other users from doing this. 🧑💻 Online Predators and Grooming Because people can create fake profiles and messages disappear, Snapchat can be risky when it comes to predators. Teens might be contacted by someone pretending to be their age who tries to build trust and steer the conversation into inappropriate territory. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Snapchat’s fleeting content can be a vehicle for cyberbullying, as hurtful or harmful messages and images disappear quickly, leaving no evidence for reporting. Stories or screenshots taken without consent may also contribute to bullying, and users may feel pressure to engage in unhealthy online interactions. 🧠 Addiction & Mental Health Snapchat is built to keep people hooked—daily streaks, constant notifications, and fun filters make it hard to take a break. For some teens, this can lead to stress, FOMO (fear of missing out), and even anxiety if they don’t feel “good enough” online. 🎮 Game-related Concerns While it’s not a video game, Snapchat has game-like features (like trophies and streaks) that reward constant use. These can make it feel like a competition, and some kids may start prioritizing their “Snap life” over real-world stuff like school or sleep. 📢 Lack of Advert Moderation Snapchat shows ads in between Stories and in Discover, and not all of them are kid-friendly. Some might be overly sexual, misleading, or just not appropriate for younger users, even if their account age says otherwise. 💸 In-App Purchases Snapchat now offers premium features like Snapchat+ and custom filters that cost money. While optional, the pressure to keep up with friends or access special features can lead some teens to spend money—sometimes without fully realising how much. 🔓 Scams & Account Theft Scammers often use Snapchat to trick people into clicking fake links or giving up personal info. There are also cases of people pretending to be someone else to get access to private Snaps. And since messages disappear, these scams can fly under the radar. 🚨Violence Snapchat’s community guidelines don’t allow posts containing threats, violence, or harm, but this doesn’t stop them from slipping through the cracks. Fights, sexual assault, violent attacks, and other disturbing content are often shared on social media, uploaded to stories on Snapchat and spread around friends lists quickly. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Snapchat’s features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. 📢Underage Accounts: Snapchat might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targetting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests: Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behavior less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. 💬Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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