Snapchat is a free social media and chat app for sharing photos and short videos (snaps) and messages. What makes it special is that the content is only visible for a short time and then disappears automatically.
Snapchat allows users to send photos and short videos to contacts as messages or stories. These snaps are only visible for up to 24 hours and then “self-destruct”. The photos and videos can be edited with countless filters and effects. In addition to private stories from friends, there is also content from stars and brands. Snapchat is characterized by a wide range of functions:
In addition to the free version, Snapchat also offers Snapchat+ as a paid add-on. This allows children and young people to test new, not yet officially released functions in a kind of premium version – such as additional design options, more information about story views or new options for designing their avatar, the so-called “BitMoji”.
The app is one of the most popular applications among teenagers aged 13 and older. Teenagers love to use Snapchat to communicate with their friends. For this purpose, images and videos are simply sent instead of text. The use of fun filters, videos that can be accompanied by music and even disappearing messages are what make the app so appealing. Snapchat appears more youthful and playful than Instagram, for example. Communication seems more private to young people, as content is only exchanged with individual contacts or in groups. People are shown as avatars on the “Snap Map”, which makes it look like a game.
The content on Snapchat does not disappear completely, but is simply no longer directly visible after a certain period of time. However, with a little technical knowledge, they can be restored to the device. Images can also be easily saved using a screenshot or screen recording. Although the sender usually receives a notification about this, this can also be avoided with certain tricks.
It can be problematic when children and young people send very personal or even intimate images and videos – these could be used against them in cyberbullying, for example. As a lot of content is sent on a daily basis, it is difficult to control. It is therefore important that users know how to block contacts or report content, especially unwanted messages. The “Snap Map”, which updates your location every time you open the app, is also critical – this makes it easy to draw conclusions about your place of residence, school or hobbies.
Certain content can also be problematic for children and young people. This includes images that are not age-appropriate as well as inappropriate advertising or snaps of brands and products.
Snapchat has a reward system with emojis. Small symbols appear next to the names of contacts to show how close a friend you are with someone. For example, a flame with a number means how many days in a row you have sent snaps to each other. According to the latest JIM study, one in three young people collect Snapchat flames every day. Such emojis can put pressure on children and young people to send pictures every day in order to “maintain” friendships in the app.
According to the terms and conditions of the provider Snap Inc., the use of Snapchat is only permitted for young people aged 13 and over with their parents’ permission. However, there is no technical verification of the age information.
The distribution of adult content (e.g. pornography) is prohibited. Minors may not post or send nude images or sexually suggestive content. Violations can be reported via the Snapchat Safety Center. Users can block and report others; violations of the Snapchat guidelines are reviewed by Snapchat content moderators.
According to its privacy policy, Snapchat collects a lot of data from its users, including when they use AI services such as My AI. According to the provider, the data is transmitted in encrypted form, but can be used for personalized advertising and analysis purposes and passed on to third-party providers.
Parents can use various control functions in the app via the “Family Center”.
If your child wants to use Snapchat, talk together about possible communication risks such as unwanted contacts. Go through the privacy settings together and clarify that sent pictures can be saved as screenshots. Your child should only add people they really know. The youth website Handysektor provides a good overview.
Talk to your child about the Snap Map: What are the consequences of having their location visible – and is it really necessary? The location is often shared automatically when the app is opened. This can be prevented in “ghost mode” or by revoking location sharing. If a contact uses Snapchat+, special attention should be paid to deactivating the tracking function or blocking the person if necessary.
The emoji reward system can make your child want to be online all the time – for fear of missing out(FOMO) or losing friendships. Talk to your child about this and encourage them to maintain friendships in real life and independently of apps like Snapchat.
In consultation with your child, use the control functions via the Snapchat Family Center. There you can, for example, get an overview of your child’s activities and make settings such as setting up content controls in the app or deactivating the My AI chatbot. A separate Snapchat account is required to connect to your child’s account. Your child must consent to the connection themselves. In the Snapchat Family Safety Hub you will find compact information, videos and guides on functions such as Snap Map, safety settings and age ratings.
