Is Snapchat Safe for Teens? 6 Pros and Cons for Parents

Snapchat has always been popular for allowing users to exchange pictures and videos that disappear once seen, which is generally considered a pro for many users, especially those concerned about their privacy and security.

However, as a parent, you still may be worried about whether your child should be on the platform. Don’t worry, in today’s blog, we will discuss some pros and cons of Snapchat that will ultimately help you decide whether or not it is safe for kids and teens. Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Snapchat Pros and Cons for Parents

It is always important to be aware of the platforms or websites your kids have access to protect them from inappropriate or sensitive content.

While Snapchat is fun to use for its harmless cool filters, the ability to exchange quick snaps can be used for explicit purposes. So, it is necessary to understand how impactful the app can be on your children.

Pros of Snapchat:

Here’s why you can consider using Snapchat:

Better content categorization: Since Snapchat’s algorithm is based on user preferences, it is less likely to expose kids to inappropriate or age-restricted content. Most content shown on the Spotlight page is from the users they follow.
Less risk of personal pictures being leaked: Any image or video sent on it as a snap is automatically deleted. Moreover, unlike other messaging platforms, whenever the recipient saves or screenshots a snap, you’ll get notified about it.
Less chances of receiving messages from strangers: On other platforms, anyone can easily message you. However, here, one can only interact when they add you and you have added them back. So, it should be fine until you add random people on Snapchat.
Discover section used to watch news: Through its Discover section, Snapchat offers many channels with news, entertainment, and educational content. Kids can find new interests.
Numerous privacy options: With extensive privacy options provided by Snapchat, you or your kid can manage who can contact and exchange snaps with them. As parents, you also should keep an eye on it and make sure your child is using the app safely.
Track location through Snap Map: Snapchat offers an in-built feature to check someone’s location via the Snap Map. So, as a parent, you track your child through it.

Cons of Snapchat:

Now that you have understood the advantages of Snapchat, let’s dive into the disadvantages:

Risk of snaps getting screenshotted: Despite notification, there is nothing you can do if the receiver has screenshotted any of your inappropriate pictures, which can be deliberately used against you.
Stories can be posted in Public mode: You can also upload stories on your public account on Snapchat which exposes them to risk as people you have not added can view them.
Increased chance of compromised location: Snap Map can be disadvantageous as if you can use it to trace your child’s location, so can a stranger. So, you need to turn off their location on Snapchat.
Sensitive content on the Discover section: Discover section can contain mature and explicit videos or images to which your child can be exposed.
Possibility of cyberbullying: Because snaps disappear quickly, they might occasionally be used to send offensive pictures or videos. Because of this, abusers may feel less responsible for their acts, which can lead to cyberbullying.

Addictive in nature: Similar to many other social networking sites, Snapchat has the potential to be compulsive, which can result in excessive screen time and detrimental effects on mental health.

Also Read: Is Snapchat Safe for Sending Private Photos?

What is the Age Limit to be on Snapchat?

According to the legal terms and conditions of Snapchat, users must be at least 13 years old to sign up for the app.

Potential Dangers of Snapchat Parents Should Know

Like any other social media site, Snapchat too has some potential dangers parents should be concerned about, such as:

Hackers: Despite the Snapchat team’s best efforts to safeguard the security of the information communicated over the program, it is always possible for hackers to manipulate systems to steal personal data and use it abruptly.
Primary or secondary screenshot: Even though Snapchat informs users when someone has screenshotted their stories or snaps, it does not notify you when someone screen records your snaps which can be worrisome.
Location Sharing: By allowing users to instantly disclose their location with others via Snapchat’s Snap Map function, users’ privacy and safety may be jeopardized.
Cyberbullying: Snaps’ transient nature can occasionally make it challenging to present proof of bullying, and abusers may become more confident in their anonymity.

Is Snapchat Safe for a 12 Year Old?

Since the age limit set by Snapchat is 13 years old, a 12-year old child cannot create an account on the platform. Moreover, we also do not recommend the same.

Is Snapchat Safe for an 11 Year Old?

If your child is 11 years old, they won’t be able to use Snapchat directly. However, if you are creating an account, they can use it under your supervision. Make sure to adjust the privacy settings correctly. You can employ parental control solutions such as Net Nanny or Qustodio to keep a close eye on and track their social media usage.

Is Snapchat Safe for a 13 Year Old?

Yes, Snapchat permits 13 year olds to legally create an account on the platform. However, being at an impressionable age, their online activity should be under strict monitoring by their parents.

Also Read: How to Monitor Snapchat on iPhone

Is Snapchat Safe for a 10 Year Old?

No, it is not recommended for a 10 year old to be on Snapchat since the platform has the risk of being exposed to sensitive content.

Is Snapchat Safe for a 14 Year Old?

Yes, with parental supervision, a 14 year old child can safely use Snapchat to talk with their friends and exchange snaps.

Is Snapchat Safe for a 9 Year Old?

No, Snapchat is not safe for kids as young as 9 to be on. Parents should think about whether their kids are old enough to handle explicit content and if they understand the consequences of what they share.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe on Snapchat

If your child is on Snapchat, here are some safety tips and measures you can take to ensure they are safe on the platform:

Adjust the account’s privacy settings strictly
Periodically check their photos, messages, and friends list and only let them add people they know
Set boundaries on screen time and make sure it is followed
Discuss the importance of privacy and how they can be responsible when sharing snaps with someone
Encourage them to talk to you and report any inappropriate activity they face on Snapchat
Parents should educate their children about recognizing and reporting cyberbullying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does Snapchat connect kids and teens?

Ans: Snapchat connects kids and teens the most with its lenses, stickers, and filters, and the urge to maintain a Snap streak that makes the platform more interesting and entertaining.

Q2: How old do kids have to be to use Snapchat?

Ans: Snapchat has an age requirement of 13 years old to create an account.

Q3: Is Snapchat safe for preteens and teens?

Ans: While teens can use Snapchat safely, it is advisable to not let preteens be on Snapchat.

Q4: Does Snapchat Keep Parents in the Dark?

Ans. Messages and snaps on Snapchat get deleted either instantly or after 24 hours if not saved, which makes it difficult for you to be aware of any risky conversations they are engaging in.

Q5: Is Snapchat Safe for Children?

Ans. In general, Snapchat is known to be a safer alternative than other social networking sites due to its interface. However, in the end, having an open conversation with children is essential to guarantee a secure experience.

We hope our blog helped you understand these Snapchat pros and cons for parents and keep your children on the platform.

If you have any queries or suggestions, let us know in the comment section. Keep visiting TechCult for more informative guides.