What Is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a social media app that is used on smartphones and tablets to send pictures, videos, and direct messages to other users. It is one of the most popular social media apps in the world, used by millions around the globe.
Users on Snapchat can add someone by importing them from their contacts, adding their username, or by using a person’s QR code called a Snap code. When users send a “snap” to someone on Snapchat, it automatically deletes after the recipient has opened it. There is also a story feature where users can post photos and videos that can be viewed by other users for 24 hours. Users especially like all of the filters that can be applied to their photos and videos.
Snapchat Parental Controls
Because so many kids are using Snapchat, it’s important for parents to understand the built-in features that can be used to help make an account safe and secure. If a parent does not want their child to use Snapchat at all, they can limit access to the app in the settings of iOS in Screen Time or in the settings of Android devices as well.
To help parents protect their kids and teens that are using Snapchat, there are built-in parental control features that can be used to help protect their child who is using the social media platform. To begin adjusting the settings of Snapchat, click the icon in the top left of the home screen. Now, click the wheel in the top right to enter the Settings section.
Hide Content on the Discover Section
The Discover feature of Snapchat shows Snaps from popular users, influencers, or brands. Sometimes, the accounts that are featured on the Discover page can have explicit content or other material that is not suitable for kids. There are numerous ways parents can control the content that appears including:
- Unsubscribing to channels
- Hiding creators and channels
- Reporting content
Ghost Mode
Users can turn off the location feature so that other users will not see their location on Snap Map. Snap Map provides users to see where their friends are located.
How To Enable Ghost Mode On Snapchat
- Open Snapchat and click on the profile icon in the top left corner.
- Tap the settings icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to See My Location and click on it.
- Press the checkmark next to Ghost Mode to enable it.
Block An Account
Parents can also help their children by blocking friends or users that they do not want to be able to send snaps to their child’s account.
How To Block An User On Snapchat
- Open the Snapchat app and press Chat on the bottom menu.
- Click on the user you would like to block.
- Tap on their profile icon in the top left corner.
- Select ፧ in the top right corner.
- Click on Block. If they are a friend, also select Remove Friend.
Who Can…
Within a Snapchat account, users are able to control what other Snapchat users can contact them, view their stories, send them notifications, see their location, and see them in quick add. These are all within the privacy setting on Snapchat.
Keeping Kids Safe on Snapchat
Snapchat is a popular social media app that is used by people of all ages, especially those ages 13-24. There are a lot of kids and teens using the app, and parents can help protect them by using some of the built-in privacy features and settings that are available from Snapchat.