Safeguarding - SNAP CHAT

Dear parents and carers,

SNAP CHAT

Snap chat is an application that many of our students and young people have downloaded on their phone.

Snap chat is a distinctive social media app that has many functions, and although can offer lots of fun, with filters and a way to connect, there are also different functions of the app that can pose a risk to children and young people, and that are not as obvious when first opening the App.

Key features of the app-

- Disappearing images, that only remain viewable for a set period of time

- Live location maps- which can be viewed by snap chat contacts/ friends- potential for strangers to see this if someone unknown has been added

- Group calls/ Group video chats- unknown individuals could be adding young people on snapchat and talking with them in group settings.

- ‘Quick add’ setting- meaning users of the app can quickly add strangers, and strangers can also add young people.

Things to look out for:

- Check your childs privacy settings- ensure that thei location is not viewable publically.

- Speak openly with your child about their social media use. If they appear secretive, it is important to address this and ensure children can share concerns.

- Review contacts/ friend list- Does your child actually know everyone on there, or could it be ‘friends of friends’ or other unknown individuals.

- Review group chats- if there are lots of members of a group chat, are they all contacts/ friends? Could children have been added to a group that has unknown individuals in?

Over recent years, SnapChat has been identified as being the platform used for approximately 48% of online child sexual abuse crimes and grooming offences.

Apps and social media are developing rapidly, and it is vital in order to safeguard children that online use is monitored by responsible adults.

If you have any concerns or further queries, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team at Eggbuckland.

What is Snapchat? Safety guide for parents | Internet Matters - https://www.internetmatters.org/.../social-media/snapchat/