What Is Snapchat? A Parent's Guide

Snapchat is a messaging app that lets users send photos, videos, and texts that disappear after being viewed. It's fast, visual, and built for constant interaction. For many teens, it’s their go-to app. For many parents, it’s confusing and concerning.

What Makes Snapchat Unique

• Disappearing Messages: Messages and snaps vanish after being opened.
• Stories: Posts visible to friends for 24 hours.
• Snapstreaks: Daily snapping between two users to build a streak.
• Snap Map: Shares real-time location unless "Ghost Mode" is enabled.
• My Eyes Only: A passcode-protected vault for private content.
• My AI: An AI chatbot built into the app that answers questions and holds conversations.

Why Teens Love It

• Their friends are there.
• It feels casual, creative, and pressure-free.
• Messages disappear, making it feel private.
• Fun features like filters and Bitmojis make it playful.

The Hidden Hooks

• Snapstreaks pressure kids to use it daily.
• FOMO from disappearing content keeps them checking often.
• Snap Score and trophies gamify popularity.
• My AI can feel like a friend, which pulls kids into deeper use.

Safety Concerns

• Location sharing via Snap Map.
• Sexting and explicit content through disappearing snaps.
• Hidden vaults like My Eyes Only.
• Limited parental controls and visibility.
• Addictive design can lead to anxiety and overuse.

What Parents Can Do

• Start a conversation: Ask your teen to show you how they use Snapchat.
• Set boundaries: Time limits, no Snap Map, and rules around sharing.
• Review settings together: Enable Ghost Mode and limit who can contact them.
• Use Family Center: Snapchat's limited parental tool.
• Focus on trust: Let your teen know they can come to you with anything.
• Join Haven. We simplify online safety and show parents exactly what to know and do about Snapchat.

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Join Haven and get expert guidance and step-by-step tutorials on features, parental controls and the best ways to keep your kids safe on Snapchat.

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