We were introduced to many digital things like the internet, social media sites, smartphones, etc. Social media sites and applications have a huge impact these days as they help us in many ways.
Snapchat is one of them and needs no special introduction. It is used by millions of people globally and is one of the most popular apps on the play store and app store combined.
But, here the question arises that is it safe for your kids? To put things simply, we have compiled the details about this social media app here. Take a look!!
What is Snapchat?
It is a digital tool in form of an app that allows you to share pictures called snaps, messages, and short videos to your friends that disappear in a short time allowing them to talk to people without keeping the logs of chats. It has also updated itself to compete with its competition, Instagram.
Is it safe for kids?
Certain features may raise a concern for the parents. Like the snap map, that allows you to share the location. Although the messages can be automatically deleted, anyone can still take a screenshot and save it.
Also, age verification is another issue. Kids can easily lie about their age on Snapchat and use it while being underage.
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Snapchat features and dangers
Like every other social media app, it also has certain features that might raise concerns among parents and guardians. Therefore, it is important to know all of them to maintain your child’s safety.
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Snap Map
It lets you share your exact location like if you are in a building, it will pinpoint your exact location. If it’s shared with friends that might be all right. But if it’s public, it can go differently if it is seen by the wrong person.
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Discover
It helps you discover different things and helps you keep up with celebrities.
- Stories
It’s the one where you can share an event with your friends
- Publisher stories
Here the brands share their products with the people. Whenever there’s a product launch, it is shared by them here.
- Snap Originals
They are series produced by Snapchat that might have seasons and episodes like Netflix. But they would be just five minutes long and can be watched on your phone in portrait mode.
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Spotlight
Like youtube Shorts, people can post short vertical videos on Snapchat. They can be shared with friends or publically and will automatically vanish after a day of posting them.
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Snapstreaks
On Snapchat, if a person keeps on posting regularly and maintains a streak, they receive a special flame emoji with the number of days of that streak.
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Chat
Like any other messaging app, one can send text messages or picture messages
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Filters and lenses
One can use filters and lenses to make the pictures look better than usual or amplify them to look the way you want. It also has animal lenses to make it fun with the help of augmented reality.
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Games
It has many games, be it single-player or multiplayer. It has word games and shooting games. Also, games like golf and zombie attacks are available that one can play anytime.
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Snap Token
They are a type of currency that can only be used on Snapchat to play some paid games.
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Cameos
When there is more than one person in a video, one can choose any clip they like.
How old do you have to be to get Snapchat?
Thirteen is the minimum age allowed on Snapchat, although to use certain features, you need to be 18 above.
How can parents monitor Snapchat?
To keep the kids completely safe, it is recommended to monitor them on snapchat.
- Firstly, block strangers by changing the sharing option to friends only.
- Toggle off the quick add mode.
- Turn on the ghost mode.
- Last but not the least, Uncheck the find me from my phone number option.
Should I let my kid get Snapchat?
Instruct and inform the kids about the social norms and also the boundaries that they should not cross. Talk about it healthily. If they follow the health advice, they won’t get in trouble or even trouble someone else unknowingly.
Conclusion
Everything is fun until someone gets in trouble. Follow the necessary steps to make sure your child is safe and isn’t seeing something he doesn’t need to. Always communicate in a proper and friendly way otherwise, you are just pushing them towards the same danger you were warning them.
