Snapchat launched in 2011 and has since built a reputation as a popular app for instant video and photo messaging – most predominantly sexting.
The Beginnings of Snapchat
It’s relevant to note, Reggie Brown, who invented Snapchat, got the idea after he sent a sext to a girl. That he later wished would disappear after she had viewed them.
From here the seed for Snapchat had been planted. And Reggie’s invention would change the nature of sexting for many. While also adding problems to the social media world, particularly for younger audiences who like the lighthearted and fun nature of the app.
The Basics of Snapchat
With Snapchat, people of all ages can share moments from their day and add fun filters to their clips such as flower headbands, and rainbows.
The unique part of Snapchat that differentiates it from other social media apps is that any content submitted lasts 24 hours, and then it’s deleted.
Some users on Snapchat share amusing, insightful, and cheerful messages. Such as a Snapchat of what they’re eating for lunch. And clips of themselves and their friends.
The Dark Side Of Snapchat
However, not all content on Snapchat is appropriate for tweens and teens. The temporary nature of Snapchat poses a considerable risk for users.
For instance, bullies can harass and provoke others by sharing hurtful material. Also, the sender can get away with being cruel because the evidence of their abusive comments or imagery is deleted forever after viewing.
Moreover, Snapchat can lead teens into a false sense of security. Making them believe it’s safe to share the content of a sexual nature with others because it can only be viewed once by the recipient and then deletes forever.
However, even though the message self-destructs after 24 hours. This doesn’t stop viewers from taking photos of the image or clip shared and sending this on to other people.
When a sext which was intended for one person, is exploited and sent to multiple strangers, this causes great distress and upset for the sender.
Difficulty Reporting Offensive Content
While the audience can report offensive content, the act of reporting it is supposedly quite tricky to do.
Plus, should a user take a screenshot of a Snapchat to send to the Snapchat team. The content creator is notified immediately. In turn, causing rifts between Snapchat users, which forces other Snapchat viewers in the future not to report inappropriate content at all.
Alerting Teens Of The Dangers
Parents are advised to educate their kids about the dangers of the online world. Alerting young people of the consequences of submitting certain content or joining a social media site sometimes resonates with young people. But on other occasions, it doesn’t.
As a solution, the parental monitoring app, Family Orbit, is there to help you cast an eye over your son or daughter’s activity online. And put a stop to any action on apps like Snapchat, that could cause your children harm, discomfort, or shame.
Snapchat and Sexting: Parents Should Be Worried
Understanding the apps your children use and keeping abreast of new apps is the first step towards learning how the social sphere operates and affects young people. Furthermore, the implications and risks it poses for your children.
Snapchat isn’t a safe app for youngsters and teenagers to use. The nature of submitting an elusive Snapchat comes with too many potential risks. And so, it’s advised to either block or monitor your children’s time spent on Snapchat.
Parental monitoring apps, such as Family Orbit, go the extra mile to ensure you have full discreet access to your children’s activity applications and activity online.
