Concerns around Snapchat
Snapchat is a hugely popular app with children who must be aged 13+ to sign up. The app focuses on capturing ‘moments’ quickly with users taking images and videos and sending them instantly. The unique feature of snapchat is that images disappear within seconds. Snapchat users can specify how many seconds they would like their images to be seen by the recipients. This can range from 1-10 seconds.
It has been brought to our attention with some concern of a group called “St Helen’s Nudes”
Snapchat also has a location sharing feature called Snap Map. Snap Maps enable users to share their locations with each other so you can see where they are and what’s going on around them.
Please can you check that your child’s settings only share locations with people they know and trust. They should never share their location with strangers, or better still the location sharing is optional and is off by default. (We would advise that it remains off) .
The app has some privacy settings which we would recommend you explore with your child and suggest why certain options are safer.
Location settings in Snapchat
There are three location settings to choose from:-
Ghost Mode – You are the only person who can see your location on the map. Within Ghost Mode you can still see the locations of your friends but they will be unable to see you.
My Friends – Means that all of your contacts on Snapchat can see your location.
Select Friends – Allows users to look through their friend list and then decide which of their friends they want to be able to view their location.
Change settings
When first opening the Snap Map users get to make a decision of who they want to be able to view their location. Once these settings are in place, they can always be changed in Snapchat settings. This can be done in two ways:-
In the Snapchat settings – In the snapchat screen click on the Settings (cog) icon > click on ‘see my location’ > then choose the setting that suits you
On the Snap Map - Click on the setting button in the top right hand of the map > then choose the setting that suits you
What should I be aware of?
Who your child is friends with, talk to your child about who they are friends with and why it is safer for them to be friends with only people that they know in real life. It is important to have regular conversations with children in your care about sites they visit, reinforcing that a stranger is still a stranger online.
Group chats - in a group chat, there may be people who is not a friend of your child, who is then able to communicate within the group chat. This type of communication increases your child’s risk of interacting with strangers.
Snapchat streaks - Streaks count how many consecutive days two people have been sending Snaps to each other, this can increase pressure on a child to respond daily.
A lot of grooming of Child Exploitation will start online on social media sites such as Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook or Gaming sites. Perpetrators will use online apps and sites to befriend children this is the start of the grooming process.
It is important to set parental restrictions on home Wi-Fi and mobile provider to prevent inappropriate pop up advertisements
Inappropriate content – due to the nature of the app your child may come across content that is inappropriate.
Screenshots – whilst Snaps disappear, users may take screenshots before they do, potentially resulting in your child then losing control of what they have shared as it could be sent to other people. Sharing images of themselves or other children is an offence and once shared cannot be taken from the internet or other children’s devices.
Bullying – there is a risk of bullying on all platforms so please ensure your child knows how to block and report other users if necessary:-
Safety tips - It is important to talk to your child regularly about what they are doing online and make sure that they know that they should always talk to you or another trusted adult if they have any concerns.
- Be clear with children that you will check history and social media accounts at any time.
- Visit NSPCC website for tips to add restrictions to your devices.
Please see the links below for a parent’s guide to snapchat and more information to help and support you.
- www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/snapchat-safety-a-how-to-guide-for-parents
- Parents Protect - Internet Safety
- https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk
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Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. We've got parenting tips for all stages of your child's life, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations. All parents can come under pressure or stress from time to time. Our Positive Parenting guide shares practical advice . |
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Parents Protect - Internet Safety Children regularly use different websites and apps from their parents, and it can be hard to keep up in this ever-changing digital world. But the things that help keep children safe online are often similar to the things that keep them safe offline. |
If your child tells you something that worries you.
- Listen and don’t interrupt
- Try not to appear shocked or surprised, seeing you upset may make them stop talking
- Report to the Police
Tell us about | Merseyside Police
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Tell us about | Merseyside Police Tell the police about something suspicious you’ve seen or heard, or notify us about plans for an event, procession, film shoot and more. |
The quicker the police are informed the quicker they can stop this happening and prevent it happening to anyone else.
