What parents should know about Snapchat
What is Snapchat?
The purpose of the app is clear from its name. It is made up of snap (from snapshot = snapshot) and chat (to chat). On the one hand, image and video messages are posted on the platform and shared by other users on other platforms. This content can be spiced up with numerous filters.
91 per cent of Swiss teenagers have a Snapchat account. That is second place behind Instagram.
Originally, files were only visible for a short time and were then deleted. Today, content is also available for longer. Snapchat is used for quick, creative and simple communication and can be used as a messenger similar to WhatsApp, whether between individuals or in groups with up to 16 participants. Special emojis are used to assess the intensity of the exchange.
Who owns Snapchat?
The service was founded in 2011 and purchased by Microsoft for 2.5 billion dollars in 2017.
Who uses Snapchat?
The app is particularly popular with young people between the ages of 12 and 19. The 2020 JAMES study by the ZHAW shows that 91 per cent of Swiss teenagers have a Snapchat account. This puts the service in second place behind Instagram (93 per cent). Around 80 per cent of young people use Snapchat several times a day, which is significantly more often than the equally popular Tiktok app, which only 52 per cent use as regularly.
At what age is Snapchat allowed?
In the Apple and Google app shops, Snapchat is authorised for users aged 13 and over. However, there is no real age control for the services.
The pressure to be constantly online in order not to lose flame status can be unreasonably high.
What is the flame all about?
The flame emoji in a chat history is particularly popular. It shows that the chat partners have been chatting for at least three days without a long interruption. The pressure to be constantly online in order not to lose the flame status may be unreasonably high.
What happens to the content?
By automatically deleting content again quickly, the principle that «the internet never forgets» is cancelled out. This is to be welcomed in principle. However, with functions such as «Memories» or «Story», content on Snapchat can now also be displayed for longer. Talk to your child about the different functions and decide together which content could be suitable for which function.
What else is there to look out for?
The «Snap Map» function may be problematic: it allows users to localise their contacts on a map and display themselves on the map. The app updates the location as soon as it is opened. Parents should check whether this function is activated and who receives this information. The function can be deactivated in the settings.
On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life.
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