Education
Snapchat: A Helpful Guide for Parents of Teens
As Snapchat remains popular among teens, parents need to understand its features and potential risks:
What is Snapchat?
- A multimedia messaging app
- Messages (“Snaps”) disappear after viewing
- Features include filters, stories, and Snap Map
Key Features for Parents to Know:
- Disappearing Messages: Can encourage risky behavior
- Snap Map: Shows user’s location in real-time
- Discover: Contains content from various publishers
- Streaks: Encourages daily app use
Safety Tips for Parents:
- Set privacy settings to “My Friends” only
- Discuss the permanence of digital content
- Enable “Ghost Mode” on Snap Map
- Monitor screen time and set usage limits
- Keep open communication about online experiences
While Snapchat can be fun, it’s crucial to guide teens in using it responsibly.