How to Make Snapchat Safer for Children by Using Parental Controls

Snapchat, with its disappearing messages and engaging multimedia features, has become a favorite among young users. However, its popularity among children and teens raises concerns about safety and privacy. Parents often worry about the content their children might encounter and the potential for cyberbullying or inappropriate interactions. Fortunately, Snapchat offers various parental controls and features to help make the platform safer for children. This guide will walk you through the steps to implement these controls effectively, ensuring a safer experience for your child while they use Snapchat.

Understanding Snapchat and Its Popularity Among Kids

Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app that allows users to send photos and videos, known as “Snaps,” that disappear after being viewed. The app also features stories, where users can post content that remains visible for 24 hours. The appeal of Snapchat lies in its ephemeral nature and unique features like filters, lenses, and the ability to share moments in real time.

However, this same appeal can pose risks for children, including:

• Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Users may encounter explicit material or harmful content through stories or snaps from unknown users.
• Cyberbullying: The anonymous nature of messaging can lead to harassment or bullying among peers.
• Online Predators: Children might interact with strangers who could pose a threat to their safety.

By utilizing parental controls and educating children about safe practices, parents can help mitigate these risks.

Setting Up Snapchat for Safer Use

1. Create an Account Together

If your child is new to Snapchat, consider creating their account together. This shared experience allows you to discuss the app’s features and establish ground rules. You can explain what to expect and the importance of privacy and safety while using the app.

2. Adjust Privacy Settings

Snapchat provides several privacy settings that allow users to control who can see their content and interact with them. Parents should encourage children to adjust these settings to enhance their safety:

• Who Can View My Story: Set this to “Friends Only” to limit who can see your child’s stories. This setting prevents strangers from viewing their content.
• Who Can Contact Me: Change this setting to “My Friends” to restrict who can send snaps or chat with your child. This reduces the chances of unsolicited messages from unknown users.
• See My Location: Snapchat has a feature called Snap Map that allows users to share their location with friends. Parents should encourage their children to turn off location sharing or limit it to “My Friends” to protect their whereabouts.

To access these settings, go to your child’s profile, tap on the gear icon for settings, and navigate to “Who Can…” to adjust the privacy options accordingly.

3. Use Snapchat’s Family Center

Snapchat has introduced a feature called Family Center, which allows parents to monitor their child’s activity on the app without invading their privacy. Here’s how to set it up:

• Inviting Your Child: To use Family Center, parents must invite their child to join. Once accepted, parents can view their child’s friends list and see who they have interacted with recently without accessing their conversations.
• Monitoring Friendships: Parents can keep track of their child’s friends on Snapchat, ensuring that they are communicating with known and trusted individuals.
• Safety Resources: The Family Center also provides access to educational resources about online safety, helping parents and children learn more about safe app usage together.

4. Encourage Open Communication

Open communication is crucial when it comes to online safety. Encourage your child to discuss any uncomfortable experiences or interactions they encounter on Snapchat. Here are some tips to facilitate this dialogue:

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular conversations about their Snapchat usage and experiences. Ask about their interactions, what they like about the app, and if they have encountered anything troubling.
• Discuss Potential Risks: Talk about the potential dangers of sharing personal information and the importance of not accepting friend requests from strangers. Reinforce the message that they can always come to you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
• Create a Safe Space for Conversations: Ensure your child knows that they won’t be punished for sharing their concerns or experiences with you. A supportive environment encourages them to be honest about their online interactions.

5. Teach Responsible Snapping

Instilling responsible habits while using Snapchat can significantly enhance your child’s safety. Here are some guidelines to teach them:

• Think Before You Snap: Encourage your child to consider the content of their snaps before sharing. Remind them that even if a snap disappears, it can still be captured through screenshots or screen recordings by others.
• Limit Personal Information: Advise your child to avoid sharing sensitive information such as their home address, school name, or phone number through snaps or messages. Teach them the importance of keeping personal details private.
• Report Inappropriate Behavior: Show your child how to report users or content that makes them uncomfortable. Snapchat provides options to report abuse, harassment, or inappropriate content, and it’s essential for them to know how to use these features.

6. Enable Notifications

Encourage your child to enable notifications for Snapchat. This feature will alert them to any messages or snaps received, ensuring they stay engaged with their contacts. It also allows parents to monitor the frequency and nature of their child’s interactions.

Additional Resources and Support

1. Snapchat’s Safety Center

Snapchat has a dedicated Safety Center that provides resources and tips for parents and users. It includes information on reporting abuse, understanding privacy settings, and recognizing harmful content. Encourage your child to explore this resource together to build their understanding of safe app usage.

2. External Resources

Consider exploring external resources that offer insights into social media safety. Organizations such as Common Sense Media and NetSmartz provide educational materials and guidance for parents and children navigating online platforms.

3. Stay Informed on Trends

Social media trends can change rapidly, with new features and challenges emerging regularly. Stay informed about Snapchat updates and popular trends among users, as these can impact your child’s experience on the app.