Snapchat

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a messaging app where photos and videos (snaps) disappear after they’ve been viewed. It also has Stories (shared with friends for 24 hours), a Discover section with content from media outlets and creators, and Snap Map which shows friends’ locations in real time.

Age rating: 13 (but many younger children use it).

Why do kids like it?

• The freedom to share without everything being permanent. No feed of old posts. It feels lighter and more private than Instagram.
• Streaks — sending snaps to each other daily builds a streak counter. For many children, this is a social currency. Breaking a streak feels like a social betrayal.
• Filters and lenses — fun face filters. It’s entertaining.
• Group chats — a quick, informal way to communicate with friends.

What are the real risks?

• Disappearing messages create a false sense of security. The recipient can take a screenshot, use another phone to photograph the screen, or use third-party apps. Nothing is truly temporary.
• Snap Map shows where your children are, in real time, to all their friends. The default setting may share their location more broadly than they realise.
• My AI — Snapchat’s built-in AI chatbot. Children can have conversations with it about anything. It is designed to be engaging, not necessarily safe.
• Discover content is not always suitable for children — it includes news, entertainment and content that can be explicit.
• Contact with strangers is possible via Quick Add and other features.

Settings to check

1. Snap Map → Ghost Mode: Open Snap Map → the cog icon → select “Ghost Mode”. This hides your child’s location.
2. Who can contact me: Settings → Privacy → “Contact Me” → set to “Friends”.
3. Who can see my Story: Settings → Privacy → “View My Story” → set to “Friends” or “Custom”.
4. Quick Add: Settings → Privacy → turn off “Show Me in Quick Add”. This prevents strangers from finding your child.
5. Family Centre: Snapchat has a Family Centre where parents can see who their child communicates with (not the content) and adjust settings.

How to talk about it

“I know snaps disappear, but did you know people can take a screenshot without you knowing? What do you think about that?”

“Snap Map is cool, but it means your friends — and maybe others — can see exactly where you are. Let’s look at the settings together.”

Last reviewed: March 2026