The hidden harms of Snapchat and how to reduce them

Snapchat has become one of the key platforms for communication among Australian teenagers, offering features like disappearing messages and engaging filters. While these elements enhance creativity and connection, they also come with significant risks. This post explores the harms associated with Snapchat, along with recent security updates and strategies for mitigating these issues.

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app designed for sharing photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. Launched in 2011, it allows users to send "Snaps," which can include images, short videos, and text.

Key features include:

• Stories: Users can compile Snaps into a 24-hour collection visible to their friends.
• Filters and Lenses: Creative tools for users to modify their appearance or add effects to their Snaps.
• Chat: Users can send text messages and voice notes, which can disappear after being viewed.
• Snap Map: A feature that lets users share their location with friends.

What makes Snapchat so popular among kids and teenagers?

Snapchat is popular with younger people because their friends are on it and their parents aren’t.

The platform feels more personal and relational compared to traditional posting. It offers users fun, interactive features that encourage creativity and self-expression. Its disappearing messages create a sense of privacy and privacy that appeals to teens. However, this need for privacy highlights the importance of parental guidance and media literacy skills.

According to Snapchat's terms of service, users must be 13. You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Recently, Snapchat has rejected Australia's push to raise the age of access to social media to 16. This has raised concerns about the safety of minors on the platform, and the need for parents to be proactive in monitoring their children’s use of this platform.

What are the harms of Snapchat?

Snapchat’s focus on creative expression can sometimes lead to the sharing of explicit or inappropriate content. Users, particularly younger ones, may encounter sexually explicit images, videos, or messages. This exposure can occur through unsolicited messages or through public stories that are visible to a wider audience.

The platform’s features, such as private messaging and image sharing,  can create a false sense of security that encourages users to send intimate images or videos, leading to potential exploitation or negative consequences. “Sexting” has been linked to issues such as shame, anxiety, and even legal consequences, as distributing explicit images can result in criminal charges.

2. Cyberbullying

According to the eSafety Commissioner, approximately 44% of Australian young people report having a negative online experience in the six months to September 2020, this includes 15% who received threats or abuse online. Snapchat is often cited as one of the primary platforms for such incidents due to the nature of the platform. The ease of sending disappearing messages can encourage bullying behaviours, while also making the victims feel isolated and unable to document the bullying.

In 2022, Matilda “Tilly” Rosewarne, took her life at just 15 after being bullied on social media. A student at her school circulated a fake nude of the teenager on Snapchat, which lead to relentless abuse and harassment targeted at Tilly, both online and offline.

3. Privacy risks

One of Snapchat's key features is the Snap Map, which allows users to share their real-time location with friends. This feature can pose significant privacy risks, especially for younger users who may not fully understand the implications. Unintended exposure of location can lead to unwanted attention or even safety concerns, as users may inadvertently reveal their whereabouts to strangers or individuals with harmful intentions.

Snapchat allows users to post stories that can be viewed by anyone, depending on their privacy settings. If a user does not adjust their settings appropriately, their content can be accessed by a wide audience, including people they do not know. This raises concerns about personal information and images being shared without consent.

What can parents and carers do?

Reducing the harms of Snapchat while promoting a safe experience for your child involves a combination of utilising the app's features and maintaining open communication.

Snapchat's Family Centre is a valuable tool that gives parents and caregivers some visibility into their child's usage. It allows you to see who your child has been communicating with, but keep in mind that you won’t have access to specific content. To use this feature, adults need to install the app and link their accounts by adding their child as a friend, who must then accept the invitation to opt into the Family Centre functionality.

As of January 2024, new features have been introduced, allowing parents to view their child’s privacy settings and to restrict access to the app's AI chatbot, My AI. This added layer of oversight can help you guide your child in making safer choices online.

Here are some steps you can take to foster a safe environment while your child uses Snapchat:

1. Discuss privacy settings together: Sit down with your child to explore Snapchat's privacy settings. This is a great opportunity to discuss safe and responsible app usage. Explain the importance of keeping their information private and show them how to adjust their settings accordingly. Stress the importance of disabling location services and sharing their location only with trusted friends.
2. Establish open communication: Encourage your child to share their experiences on Snapchat. Ask about the friends they’re communicating with and what they enjoy about the app. This will not only help you understand their online world but also reassure them that you’re supportive and interested in their social interactions. Agree on regular times to discuss how they're using the app and their feelings about it.
3. Explore together: Invite your teen to show you some of their snaps and highlight features they like. This can reduce any apprehension you may have about the app and foster a sense of teamwork in navigating social media together.
4. Educate them about risks: Talk openly about the potential risks of using social media, such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content. Make sure they know how to block and report abusive behaviours on Snapchat. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable.

By combining these strategies with the Family Center features, you can help your child enjoy Snapchat in a safer, more responsible way while maintaining a supportive and trusting relationship.