commonsensemedia

Published 17.02.2015 16:20

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Snapchat

Snapchat gallery

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Snapchat is a popular messaging app that allows teens to exchange user-generated photos, texts, and videos -- as well as to use live video chat. The developer claims these can't be saved within the app and are only viewable for one to 10 seconds before disappearing from the recipient's device, noting that the app notifies the sender if the recipient takes a screenshot of an image. However, there are several third-party programs that easily intercept and store any Snapchats sent to the user, negating the 'temporary" aspects of the service. The app has gained a reputation as a "sexting" app because outgoing (and incoming) pictures, videos, and texts are not stored on devices -- but many teens use it simply to exchange fun, silly pictures. In addition, a video feature called "Discover" features curated content from outlets including CNN, Cosmopolitan, Warner Music, and Vice - and often features content with harsh language, violence, advertorial videos, or videos with, for instance, a character flipping viewers "the bird".

What kids can learn