What is Snapchat?
On the one hand, Snapchat is a messenger with which you can exchange messages, pictures and videos. It was the first messenger to send pictures and videos that can only be viewed once. In addition to the messenger function, you can also find short videos from other users on Snapchat. These are mostly diagram -like entries in which users report – such as Tikok, Facebook or Instagram – about their lives or special events. There are also advertising, practical tips, instructions and much more. These videos make Snapchat a social network where you can follow other people. The focus of Snapchat is clearly on entertaining videos. For example, the camera opens directly at the start of the app and there are tons of filters that artistically alienate videos and the filmed funny or creepy masks. Adult users also use Snapchat for non -youth -free or borderline content. The function that images and videos can only be opened once use some to exchange revealing content. And there are users who offer digital erotic services for money. The protection of children is therefore particularly important.
From what age does Snapchat make sense?
Creating an account at Snapchat is only possible from the age of 13. Younger people can lies when creating accounts, but if Snapchat notes that an account holder is younger, the account will be blocked immediately and its data will be deleted. Computer BILD recommends that you only let your children use the service from the age of 13 – as the Snapchat’s terms of use.
How do parents notice what their child is doing on Snapchat?
- You can see who the children are talking to and who the Snapchat friends are. If you feel a bit strange, you can talk to the child about it directly.
- You can automatically have sensitive or offensive content filter out in Stories and Spotlight.
- You have the option of directly contacting Snaps-Trust-&-Safety teams. For example, they report confidentially accounts that seem strange to you, and Snapchat then checks them.
- You can see if your child speaks to the chatbot My Ai and post it on request.
- You see the age that your child gave. This is important so that Snapschats protect protective measures for minors (see below).
Snapchat has also announced that parents will soon see whether their child is publicly shared content. If it does, you should speak to the child what and why it shares.
What protection does Snapchat offer for underage users?
“We pay great attention to the protection of the snap chaatteres, especially our youngest aged 13 to 17,” explains Lennart Wetzel, Head of Public Policy Dach at Snapchat. In addition, the service focuses on three essential points:
- avoiding unwanted contacts through additional security measures for young people
- The identification and removal of inappropriate content
- Cooperation with law enforcement authorities
“Our goal is to make it as difficult as possible that young people are contacted by strangers via the app,” explains Wetzel. Therefore, Snapchat for young people, for example, prevents people from sending them messages they have not added as a friend or who are not saved in their telephone contacts. Friends lists are private on Snap. That means there is no pressure that you need more and more friends. Wetzel continues: “We have improved the protective measures for friend requests and made it more difficult to find and add young people in the app.” And if young people accept someone as a friend whom they may not know, there are warnings when starting the chat.
In addition, Snapchat ensures that inappropriate videos are not displayed in children’s accounts. AI is used, which automatically recognizes and filted out such content. And last but not least, Snapchat prohibits bullying and actively proceeds. This goes through the possibility of reporting bullying – even if you observe this with others – through reconnaissance campaigns to tools with which users can check their own friends list to ensure that there are only the people there with whom they want to be connected.
Have the content extinguished
Once your child has published something that should remain private, it can delete it yourself or you can contact the support, which will then delete it as soon as possible. Snapchat also supports the #Dontsendit campaign of the Federal Criminal Police Office, which sensitates young people to publish no inappropriate content. For an emergency, Snapchat takes part in the “Take IT Down” program, which was developed to help teenagers prevent the online spread of sexually explicit images. Technology companies are looking for possible duplicates that circulate on their services.