Mom, Can I get Snapchat?

NO! What I wish I could say.

I hate Snapchat!

Want a lollipop? Can I buy you a doll, instead!

Simpler times 🙂

Realistically, I won’t be able to keep my kids off Snapchat forever.

So, I took the plunge.  Before, I let them snap I started to snap with my mom friends.

Now is the time, stop saying you hate Snapchat.  

Instead, learn how to snap!  This is how we can protect our kids.

Snapchat 101 for Parents

What is it?

Snapchat is an application for mobile devices.

Subscribers can send photos to other subscribers.  

Unlike, other messaging apps, Snapchat allows users to set a 1 second to 10-second expiration of the photo.

Snapchat users can express themselves with embarrassing and silly pictures.  

Without the fear of permanence.

How did it start?

Is there a better way to convey emotions in a text message?

This was the question of Stanford University students, Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy.

They developed the concept of time-limited photo sharing.  

How to Use It

Download the app.

Register as a new user and set a password.

Add your contacts.

Start Snapping.

Take a photo, edit it, add a caption or other “doodles.”

Select the friends to send the photo to and set a timer from 1 to 10 seconds.

Once the photo message is sent, the receiver has the time set by the timer after they access the app to look at the photo before the message “self-destructs.”

Friends can then take their own photo to reply or just send a message back.

Sounds Fun

Yes, Snapchat can be a fun and engaging app.

When it is used appropriately.

Snapchat has earned a reputation for being an app that encourages cyberbullying, cyberstalking, sexting and child pornography.

We, parents, must be vigilant and monitor our children’s activities on Snapchat.  

How to Make Sure Your Teen is Safe on Snapchat

Parents need to have a real, live, one-on-one chat with their children about the risks associated with the false sense of security that Snapchat may provide.

The Conversation

Talk with your teen.

Help your kids develop the critical thinking skills needed to stay safe in the digital world.

When parents, expressing genuine interest, teens are more likely to keep parents in the loop about all the cool technology they are using.

And. They’re more likely to come to you when they need help.

Setting Up Your Teen’s Account

• Settings:  Carefully read Snapchat’s privacy settings.  Minors should use the default “My Friends” setting. This allows users to only send and receive media from users they have added to their friends list.

• • Personal information: Teens need to be careful about sharing personally identifiable information. Never share your phone number, home address, financial and medical information.

• • Protect passwords: Make sure your kids have a strong and unique password. That should not be shared with anyone.

• Device-level controls: Avail yourself of the Android and iOS operating systems parental controls.  Use these to actively manage your child’s phone usage.

Digital Permanence

Teens love sharing funny things with their friends, on Snapchat, assuming it will disappear in less than ten seconds.

FALSE!

A snap disappearing is not an absolute certainty.

Our teens must understand that yes, your photo will erase after ten seconds.  That does not mean your photo is actually erased forever. Easily,  a screenshot can be quickly taken, or even a photo of the screen.

If a snap is illegal, it could get them in trouble now or in the future.

Would you want Grandma to see this picture on the news? A potential employer?

There is only one way an improper video or photo never gets distributed at-large.  

Do not put it out there in the first place.

Cyber- Bullying

Bullying is not tolerated by Snapchat.

Talk to your kids about cyberbullying.

Remind them to talk to you or any other trusted adult if they are ever on the receiving end of bullying or unwanted content.

Nudity

Nude pictures violate Snapchat’s community standards.

Teens need to know that exchanging nude or sexually explicit images of anyone under 18, including themselves, can be a serious crime.

If Your Teen is Being Harassed

If your child receives abusive Snaps from another user, they need to discuss this with you or another adult.

This user should be blocked.

Report them to Snapchat’s Safety team.

You can find “Report a Safety Concern” tab in the menu.

In the event, you encounter anything that appears to be illegal or dangerous, or if you have reason to believe someone is at risk of harm or self-harm, immediately contact local law enforcement.

Delete

Delete your child’s account by going to https://accounts.snapchat.com/accounts/delete_account.  

If you wish to delete the account without your child’s username and password, you can submit a deletion request at snapchat.com/static_files/deletion_request.pdf.

Stop Hating Snapchat

Mom, you know nothing!

You don’t know how to snap!

Surprise Kid! Mom Knows!

Know the rules. Understand the notifications. Make it private. Remove the location.

I’m on Snapchat

Parents, you have to be up to date on the trending social media platforms.

• • Learn how to use them.

• • Check your kids’ profiles.

• • Teach your kids appropriate social media etiquette.

• Open the lines of communication.

We can’t ignore the Internet.

Mom, Can I get Snapchat?

Yes… but first, let’s talk.

What other social media questions do you have?

Snap me: yfhighenergymom

More Information:

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Yocheved Feinerman, High Energy Mom, covers everything in Modiin from lifestyle, family, real estate and local news.

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