We are practically living in the era of selfies and no day goes by without getting one clicked. So, it is safe to understand why Snapchat would be a very popular social media app among the younger generation.
So, what is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a messaging app which allows users to share real time pictures and videos, called Snaps, with their friends for a couple of seconds, after which the Snap disappears. It also has a feature of stories which allows users to compile multiple snaps to create a narrative which stays for 24 hours.
Most users usually use this app to maintain informal, casual conversations and goof around. But, that is not the end of the story. Like with any other social media platform, Snapchat comes with its own sets of risks and cons.
Here are a few things to be aware about if your kid is on Snapchat:
- Disappearing Messages:
When Snapchat first started, people used it as a platform to send their intimate and private pictures assuming they would self-destruct. The app could be misused in a number of ways.
What to do: As a parent, you should have a proper conversation about the risks involved while sharing pictures, and how their content can be saved and shared in a variety of ways.
- Snap Maps
Users have the option of sharing their real time location with their friends on Snapchat. This can be a major security issue, if someone were to misuse this vital information.
What to do: Ask your kids to turn off the location sharing feature. - Friend List
It is very easy to add new people to your friend list on Snapchat. This allows strangers to become your friends and have access to all the things which you share on Snapchat.
What to do: Ensure that your child does not have any unknown users on his/her friend list and encourage them not to add strangers in their account. - Unregulated Content
People can share anything that they like on the “Discover” feed and so, your child might come across some inappropriate content.
What to do: Report the user and the snap. - Time Distraction
Snapchat is a fun to use app where kids can spend their entire day playing with the multitude of features available on the app. This can waste a lot of time and can also be very distracting.
What to do: Set up a definite screen time for the app use.