Back
Cyber Expert Reviewer:
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2022
Snapchat is a social media and messaging platform where users can share time-limited (self-destructing) content such as messages, photos and videos with connected friends and the public, as well as engage in group chats, private messaging, calls, and playing games with other users.
Snap Inc. the parent company, describes itself as a ‘camera company’.
Snapchat’s content is unmoderated and the platform has many features, including Snap Map, Stories, My Eyes Only, Discover, filters and lenses, and Spotlight, some of which may pose a significant risk to young people’s online safety and security. Accordingly, our online safety experts have given Snapchat a higher age rating than recommended by the App store.
When Snapchat is open, Snap Map enables users to share their location with others, from select friends to their entire contact list. Unless location tracking is turned off (Ghost Mode), Snap Map has the potential to show your child’s exact location on a map for their friends and followers to see. When Ghost Mode is activated, their location will no longer be visible, and although it is still possible for others to ask to view their location, they must first accept the request. Snap Map also enables users to see videos and images posted by strangers within their vicinity, which may not be appropriate.
Within Snapchat Stories, users post photos and videos and can view those posted by others, including celebrities and influencers. Stories can be shared publicly through Snap Map or privately (by default, they are shared to everyone in a user’s contact list; however, this can be moderated within the platform's privacy settings). Stories stay online for up to 24 hours, and users have the ability to see who has viewed their story (although not the number of times they’ve looked at it).
Spotlight is a highlight reel of Snapchat's most entertaining bite-sized video clips (similar to Instagram Reels and TikTok). Users must submit their videos to Snapchat for evaluation; however, there is no guarantee they will be accepted into the Spotlight section. The names of creators under 18 years of age are never shown, and there is also no available comments section within this type of content.
Snapchat monetises the top-performing Spotlight videos (determined by the Snapchat algorithm) through offering its users the chance to win a share in millions of Snap Crystals every month, which can be cashed out for money in the Crystals Hub (thereby incentivising users to stay on the platform and create more content). Snapchat notifies creators of any rewards they may be eligible for through push notifications, encouraging them to engage with the app further.
To make it easier for creators and brands to share their content with wider global audiences, Snapchat has enabled the viewing of Spotlight material through browsers like Chrome or Safari, even for users who don’t have a Snapchat account.
Users can store the Snapchat content they have created, but don't want others to see, in My Eyes Only - a folder protected with a four-digit passcode. However, children, especially tweens and teens, using this feature can make it difficult for parents to monitor and supervise their Snapchat content and activity on the app. The pin number can't be reset, so there is no way to access the folder if they forget their code.
A Snapchat score is a rating that is given to each profile based on activity: the higher the score, the more active the user is on the platform. Many young users will vie with their friends to achieve the highest score, increasing their time spent on the platform.
When two friends exchange Snaps within 24 hours for more than three days in a row, they form a Snapstreak (signified by a fire emoji and the number of days the streak has lasted next to the friend’s name). Snapstreaks can be taken very seriously by some users, and anxiety around breaking the streak is common.
Snap Tokens are bought from the Snapchat Token shop and used to make in-game purchases or for users to buy virtual gifts that they can send to their favourite Snapchat creators to show appreciation. This feature is part of the ‘Gifting’ section within Snapchat, launched in 2021. Parents should consider disabling in-app purchases on their child's device and include rules and expectations regarding online spending in their family tech agreement.
Several third-party apps can be linked to Snapchat (a little like installing an extension inside a browser), and some may be considered unsuitable or inappropriate for children. Installing adequate parental controls can help parents monitor their child's online activity and block undesirable content.
Snapchat generates each user their own QR code. It is easy then to add people using their QR code. Due to the ease of being able to add people, your child may end up interacting with a stranger.
It is important to remember that revealing your location on any app is risky (even if it is just to your real life friends). It is safest to have your map turned off (Ghost Mode). If your friends want to know where you are they can simply message or call you. The map feature has also been known to cause some issues between friends, as it can make it obvious if someone is excluded from a social activity.
The filters on Snapchat are super fun, and a lot of the time users feel like they look better with a filter on. That's because it's made to be that way. Snapchat will apply facial modifications to make pictures more attractive. It is important to remind yourself that the images and videos you see on Snapchat are not a reflection of real life.
Although many kids use this app for positive communication, there have been several incidents where kids in group chats will bully other students. If you see this happening, take a screen shot of the communication you have found to be upsetting and go to a parent or trusted adult for help.
Remember, even sharing the smallest details about ourselves can put us at risk. Make sure you aren't revealing any of your real life information and be sure to only share your photos and videos with real life friends. Intimate photos and videos are often screen recorded by other people, including people taking photos or videos with a different device. Remember, once something is sent online you no longer have control over where it goes.
1. When opening the app, tap left side profile picture
2. In the top right hand corner, click on the Settings button (the gear)
3. Under the 'Who Can...' section, set everything to 'My Friends'
4 . Click on 'See me in Quick Add' and turn off
1. Launch the app, and pinch the screen top open Snap Maps
3. Under the 'Who Can...' section, click on 'See My Location'
4. Turn on 'Ghost Mode
The Gold Standard: COPPA [Implemented globally, legally enforced only in the U.S.]
California: CCPA
U.K and Europe: GDPR-K
Australia: Online Safety Act 2021