Keeping Your Teen Safe on Snapchat: What Every Mum Needs to Know
As your teen navigates the world of social media, Snapchat is likely one of the most popular apps on their phone. It’s easy to see why—Snapchat’s disappearing messages, photos, and videos make it feel low-risk, and it’s a quick and casual way to stay connected with friends. But, as with all social media, there are a few things every parent should be aware of to ensure their teen is staying safe and using it responsibly.
Why Is Snapchat So Popular?
Snapchat’s popularity comes from its core feature: the idea that snaps (messages, photos, or videos) disappear after being viewed. This sense of impermanence makes the app feel safer and less permanent than other social media platforms. But, as Sean Lyons, an online safety expert from Netsafe, discussed in a recent episode of Evre founder Maree Glading’s podcast Sounds Like Teen Spirit, just because something disappears doesn’t mean it’s truly gone. People can still screenshot a snap or even take a photo of it with another device, which means that once a snap is out there, it might not be as temporary as your teen believes. It's important to remind them to think before they send, especially with photos or messages that could come back to haunt them.
The Risks of Snapmaps
Another feature of Snapchat that’s gaining popularity is Snapmap, which shows the location of your teen’s friends on a map in real-time. While this can be a fun way for teens to stay connected, it also carries a risk. Knowing exactly where your teen is—or where their friends are—can make them feel pressured to share their location all the time. Lyons highlighted how this can lead to feelings of social exclusion, particularly if a teen sees a group of friends hanging out without them. It’s important to have a conversation with your teen about whether they really want to share their location with everyone. In many cases, turning off Snapmap or limiting access to certain people can help protect their privacy and mental well-being.
The Pressure of Social Media Perfection
Social media, especially Snapchat, can create pressure to always appear perfect. With everyone posting their best selfies and most exciting moments, it’s easy for teens to feel like they don’t measure up. Lyons noted that apps like Snapchat and Instagram can sometimes have a negative effect on teens' self-esteem, as they constantly compare themselves to others. It’s essential to remind your teen that what they see online is often just a highlight reel of other people’s lives—not the full picture. Encourage them to focus on the real connections they’re making, rather than comparing themselves to others.
Privacy Settings Are Key
One of the best ways to keep your teen safe on Snapchat is by ensuring their privacy settings are locked down. Encourage them to review their settings regularly and to only accept friend requests from people they truly know. It’s also important to talk to your teen about what they’re comfortable sharing. Even though Snapchat is designed to make content disappear, once something is out there, they lose control over who sees it. Taking the time to set up strong privacy settings is a simple but effective way to reduce potential risks.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your teen ever feels uncomfortable or upset by something that happens on Snapchat—whether it’s bullying, a snap being shared without permission, or anything else—they need to know they can come to you for help.Lyons emphasised the importance of having a strong support system in place, and as a parent, you play a key role in that. Let your teen know that if they ever feel uncomfortable, they shouldn’t hesitate to talk to you or another trusted adult. Open communication is essential to helping your teen navigate the complexities of social media.
Snapchat can be a fun and engaging way for your teen to connect with friends, but it’s important to approach it with caution. Talk to your teen about the potential risks, help them set up their privacy settings, and encourage them to think before they send anything. Most importantly, let them know that they can always come to you if something doesn’t feel right. By staying informed and maintaining an open line of communication, you can help your teen enjoy Snapchat in a way that’s both fun and safe.
