SNAPCHAT

SNAPCHAT

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
 Photo-messaging app that allows users to send photos, videos to their friends. Snapchat stories are images or videos that users share with their followers - they disappear after 24 hrs. Snapmap shares your location every time you log in.

WHAT WE SAY:
Treat with caution.

• The app allows users to send ‘disappearing’ images. Often this app is used for 'sexting'. 
• Images can be screenshot or recorded with another device, meaning they become permanent, perhaps against the wishes of the sender.
• A concern that strangers can contact young people directly by sending images and requesting to become ‘friends’.
• 'SnapMaps' allows snapchat ‘friends’ to see where the child is. The locations are quite accurate, even revealing the street they’re on​.
• 'friends' is anyone they choose to connect with. 
• Users are then able to chat to people nearby - this is a big red flag for us!
• Snapchat has a new feature called 'Spotlight' which is like Tik Tok. It shines a light on the most entertaining snaps, no matter who created them. To learn more about safety features and how it works click here. 
• Check out SWGFL, Safe, Secure, Online who have published information about the safety and reporting features on Snapchat through a  Snapchat Checklist.

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Snapchats new 25 page 'Parent Guide' is available through their safety centre and support site. 
• ​ Snapchat launched a new Discover channel, Safety Snapshot, dedicated to online safety for Snapchatters. Twelve episodes will be released over the coming months that focus on topics like keeping your account safe.
  
• Subscribe by searching for Safety Snapshot in app and clicking the subscribe button. Once done, you’ll receive safety and privacy tips and tricks as they’re released on the channel. Over the next year watch out for advice about digital literacy, combating hate speech and taking social media breaks.


• Users can control who sees their story in privacy settings. 
• ​Children and young people can set their privacy settings so that they only receive Snapchats from ‘Friends’ rather than ‘Everyone’​.
• Talk to children and young people about 'friends'. There is no such thing as an 'internet friend', we encourage children to talk to friends that they know in the 'real-world' that's parents or carers know and trust.
• Users are able to search for people nearby - talk to children and young people about the dangers of chatting to strangers nearby.
• Encourage children and young people to use 'Ghost Mode'. Their location won’t be visible to anyone else on the Map! When they’re in Ghost Mode, their Bitmoji will hold up a blue sign with a 👻 icon. They can turn Ghost Mode on and off or set a timer if they only want to lie low for a little while.
• 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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