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What Is Snapchat?
However, Snapchatters can also post Snaps to their Story, where they last for 24 hours before disappearing.
It also provides a Discovery tab, where kids can explore public stories from various media outlets and creators.
Snapchat also lets your kid send text messages directly to friends.
Just like Snaps, these messages disappear after theyre read.
However, the sender or receiver can extend the disappearing time to 24 hours.
Snapchat requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account.
Snapchats Family Center vs.
However, the controls have their limitations.
Family Center doesnt allow you to read your childs messages or see their Snaps.
In addition, it doesnt offer any screen time management features.
Heres wherethird-party parental control appscome into play.
These apps give you comprehensive oversight of your childs activities on Snapchat.
It scans for signs of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and predatory behavior.
Bark isnt limited to just Snapchat.
It allows you to monitor 30+ apps, ensuring your kids are safeguarded no matter where they are online.
In short, although Snapchats Family Center is a good start, it lacks complete protection.
How Do Snapchats Parental Controls Work?
Snapchats Family Center helps you to create a safer online experience for your teen.
I like using this feature as it lets me see if my kids have been chatting with strangers.
Unfortunately, it doesnt let me see what my teens have been discussing.
If you want to monitor your childs Snapchat messages, I recommend using a parental control app likeBarkorMobicip.
These apps check your childs Snapchat text message for inappropriate content and alert you if it detects something problematic.
Restrict Sensitive Content
Snapchats Family Center allows you to restrict sensitive content.
The restrictions apply only to content in Stories and Spotlight, which are visible across the platform.
To monitor content on Snapchat, I again recommend using a parental control app likeBark.
Whenever it detects something inappropriate or concerning, Bark will notify you with a snippet of the message.
This allows you to monitor your childs Snapchat account without being too intrusive.
However, remember that your child can change all tweaks to the default anytime.
Thats why I recommend discussing with your teen the importance of keeping these controls in place.
Adding a friend is easy.
Once your child has entered the persons username, they simply have to tapAdd.
If someone wants to add your child, your child can accept or decline the persons friend request.
Unfortunately, your child can add people they dont know.
Ensuring your kids connect only with familiar contacts minimizes these risks and helps maintain a safer Snapchat experience.
Snap Streaks
Snap Streaks signify the consecutive days two Snapchat users have exchanged Snaps.
The streak number increases every day 2 users send a Snap back and forth.
However, maintaining Snap Streaks can encourage obsessive Snapchat usage since most dont want to break a streak.
Top parental control apps allow you to set time limits for specific apps.
I usedQustodioto set a time limit for my teens use of Snapchat.
Disappearing Snaps
Snapchat is known for its disappearing Snaps and messages.
However, this doesnt mean that Snaps and chats vanish forever.
Opening the map lets your teen see where their friends are globally.
As with many location-based features, your child must use Snap Map wisely and know the potential privacy implications.
Stories allow your kids to share snippets of their day and showcase events.
In short, its a popular way to share life updates or creative content.
However, your kids must be cautious about what theyre sharing.
Sharing stories might create privacy concerns.
Its a hub for daily news, entertainment, and pop culture snippets.
Spotlight
Snapchats Spotlight feature is the place to share video content with a public audience.
Like TikTok and Instagram Reels, Spotlight allows teens to post 60-second videos.
Think of Spotlight as a place for your child to share their best content, hoping it goes viral.
Unlike other parts of Snapchat, Spotlight is designed for a broader audience.
This means any user can view your kids Spotlight Snaps even if theyre not in your kids friends list.
Public & Private Profiles
Snapchat profiles can be either public or private.
With a public profile, your kid can also get followers without the mutual friend designation.
From cute animal ears to face swaps, these filters have taken the world of social media by storm.
However, with the rise of such features comes certain risks.
Some filters can drastically change your teens appearance, promoting unrealistic beauty standards and potentially impacting self-esteem.
Snapchat My AI
Snapchats My AI allows your child to interact with a digital version of themselves.
It creates a personalized AI avatar based on your childs input and activity on the platform.
While this feature may sound fun and futuristic, it also raises privacy concerns.
What Are Snapchats Community Guidelines & How Do They Protect Teens?
The platform forbids sharing or promoting explicit content involving those under 18, including self-images.
Snapchat also has its Content Guidelines, which work closely with the Community Guidelines.
it’s possible for you to report concerns like harassment, bullying, and blackmail attempts.
If in-app reporting is not feasible, you also have the option to report through the web.
Yes, Snapchat hasbuilt-in parental controls called Family Center.
you’re able to check your childs friend list and recent people theyve chatted with there.
you could also restrict sensitive content your child might see in Stories and Spotlight.
If you seek more comprehensive monitoring capabilities, I recommend using a third-party parental control app.
I like usingBark, as it offers advanced monitoring of various platforms, including Snapchat.
It uses AI to detect inappropriate Snaps or concerning messages on your childs Snapchat account.
Bark will send you a snippet of the message whenever it detects something.
Can I manage my childs screen time on Snapchat?
No,Snapchat doesnt provide built-in featuresto manage your childs screen time.
Can I block the Snapchat app on my childs gadget?
you might block Snapchat on your childs rig, but it requires a third-party parental control app.
How do I report inappropriate content or bullying on Snapchat?
Snapchat has built-in reporting features to address inappropriate content or bullying.
Long-press on a Snap or story, then selectReport Snap.
For public profiles, navigate to the profile, tap the top options, and hitReport.
For example, they can make it look like the poster is at the beach when theyre at home.
To effectively monitor your childs Snapchat activity for any signs of inappropriate content or bullying, consider usingBark.
This third-party parental control tool provides insights into potential risks on Snapchat and alerts you to any concerning interactions.
