Snapchat Warning: What Every Parent Needs to Know Now

Safeguarding experts are urging parents to take a closer look at how their children are using Snapchat, as concerns remain around the risks young people may face on the platform.

With almost 24 million UK users in 2024, Snapchat remains one of the most popular social media apps. Originally launched in 2011, it changed how people communicate online by introducing messages that disappear shortly after being viewed.

While the platform is most widely used by 18 to 24 year olds, who make up 37.4% of users, it also has a significant younger audience. In 2024, children aged 13 to 17 accounted for 18.3% of users.

Risks parents should be aware of

According to safeguarding training experts High Speed Training, Snapchat presents a number of potential risks if not used safely.

Dr Richard Anderson, Director of Learning at High Speed Training, said: “As with all social media platforms, there are risks that come with using Snapchat. Given the picture focused format of the platform this can present unique dangers to young people and children. Though there is a minimum age requirement of 13 to use the app, this can be bypassed and isn’t necessarily enough to protect children from harm.”

Among the risks highlighted are Child Sexual Exploitation and sextortion. The temporary nature of messages can encourage some users to send explicit content, knowing it will disappear. This can expose young people to unsolicited images or pressure to send images themselves, which may later be used for blackmail.

Cyberbullying is another concern. Because messages and images can vanish after being viewed, it can be harder to prove bullying has taken place.

Snapchat’s Snap Map feature has also raised concerns around location sharing. If not set correctly, it may allow others to track a user’s whereabouts. Features such as Ghost Mode can be used to hide this information.

Experts also warn about excessive screentime, with social media platforms designed to encourage repeated use through dopamine triggers. There are also concerns around “Snapchat Dysmorphia”, a term coined in 2018 after reports of people seeking cosmetic procedures to resemble their filtered selfies.

What parental controls are available?

Snapchat does offer parental controls through its Family Centre. These allow parents and guardians to view their child’s friends list and see who they have messaged in the past seven days, although not the content of those messages.

They can also report accounts, restrict sensitive content from public stories and Spotlights, and track their child’s location through Snap Map.

Parents can find more details about these safety measures <a href=”#”>here</a>.

Dr Richard Anderson added: “Snapchat’s Family Centre provides essential basics to keep your child safe. It’s important to remember that the intention when protecting your child isn’t to monitor their every move. Not being able to see what they send respects your child’s right to privacy and allows them to use the app for its intended purpose without fear they might be unjustly reprimanded.

“As the world becomes more and more digital, the issue of online safety can seem daunting. However, it also has many positives, allowing for new and exciting ways to stay connected and build relationships. Taking some basic and simple steps can go a long way to ensuring that your children are using the internet safely and sustainably.”

Top safety tips for parents

High Speed Training has shared several practical steps parents can take to help keep their children safe on Snapchat.

Talk to them
Open conversations about online safety can help reduce risks. Encouraging children to only interact with people they know and to speak up if something feels wrong is key.

Follow age requirements
Snapchat has a minimum age of 13. If a child’s age is entered incorrectly, they may miss out on built in safety settings designed for younger users.

Set clear rules
Parents are encouraged to agree boundaries before their child starts using the app. This could include who they can contact, how long they spend on it, and what they share.

Monitor occasionally
While respecting privacy is important, occasional checks can help ensure children are staying safe.

Explain safety features
Showing children how to block users or report inappropriate content can help them feel more confident managing their own safety.

For more advice and resources, parents can visit the High Speed Training Hub.