Snapchat Sexting: Risks, Warning Signs, and How to Protect Your Child

Snapchat is among the top popular social media apps today, especially among teenagers. Reports show that four in ten teens use Snapchat, and around 51% visit the app daily. However, besides staying in touch with friends and family, Snapchat has also become a common platform for cheating and sexting. One in seven teens sends sexually explicit texts, and one in four receives them. Thus, it is inevitable that you keep an eye on your kids’ social media activity to prevent Snapchat sexting.

If you’re new to this and wondering, “What is Snapchat sexting?” This article covers all the details of sexting on Snapchat, using a parental control app, and other tips on protecting your kids from Snapchat sexts.

Part 1. What is Snapchat Sexting

Sexting, in general, refers to sending and receiving sexually explicit messages, including texts, photos, and videos. Using Snapchat to share sexts or sexually explicit messages and media falls under Snapchat sexting. It may also include intimate conversations and content teens share on the app.

Snapchat is gaining popularity as a sexting app as it leaves no trail. Children do not have to worry about their parents as the messages disappear automatically after the receiver views them. Moreover, Snapchat notifies the sender when the receiver takes a screenshot of the text or media, adding an extra layer. However, most children are unaware that predators and pedophiles can still collect texts and photos via another phone's camera. So, they might be trapped not knowing that intimate or naked Snapchat sexts are never entirely safe.

Most kids sext on Snapchat to be a part of the cool squad in the group, while others find it exciting and indulge in sexting when exploring their sexuality.

Part 2. The Risks of Snapchat Sexting to Kids

Most adults are aware of the possible security issues associated with straight or gay Snapchat sexts. But children may fall prey to dangerous people on the app who may benefit from their innocence. Initially, it might seem interesting and fun, yet Snapchat sexting comes with risks for teens and young adults.

• Everything stays on the internet

Often, children believe that Snapchat’s screenshot notification will let them know when the other person takes a screenshot, but there are numerous other ways to keep evidence. Plus, everything they share on the internet stays there forever, even if there is no trail apparently.

• Emotionally damaging

When sexting with someone on Snapchat, you can never be sure if they have the texts and photos saved on another device. This might keep you emotionally disturbed and wondering if they might share them with your acquaintances or websites.

• Impact on education

Schools are usually quite strict about their policies regarding social media and inappropriate use of these apps. If the school learns about these chats, it might impact students' academics and careers.

• Reputation damage

Even if your child’s school does not come across these conversations, Snapchat sexts can be embarrassing in front of family and friends, especially coming from young kids.

• Online harassment

Sometimes, explicit images and videos shared without the sender's consent can lead to online bullying and harassment, even leading to self-harm.

• Blackmail

Sometimes, predators engage young kids and teens in sexting on Snapchat to blackmail them and get money later. If not aware, your kids can also be one of the victims of blackmailing because of online sexting.

• Legal implications

Sexting as a minor can be considered child pornography, which may have strict legal action and consequences for everyone involved in producing and sharing inappropriate pictures. Two minors sexting each other may also face juvenile court charges.

Part 3. 5 Warning Signs Your Child Might Be Involved in Snapchat Sexting

• More protective of their phone

One of the most common signs of your child’s involvement in something fishy is the effort to keep their phone away. So, you must be more vigilant when you see your child being overprotective of their phone and hide it when you're around.

• Get annoyed when questioned

Even if you share a lovely bond with your kid, you might see them get irritated or annoyed when you ask them about being secretive of their phone. It is usually because they’re afraid of being caught and avoid confrontation.

• Drop in academic performance

When your kid is involved in other activities, such as Snapchat sexting, they might not give enough attention to their school work and grades. However, it is not a compulsory sign as some kids manage both well. So, you must keep an eye on other signs of children’s involvement in sexting.

• Changes in sleeping schedule

Communicating continuously on Snapchat may impact your child's sleeping schedule as they try managing studies during the day and engage in Snapchat sexting girls or boys at night.

• Less interaction with friends

Free Snapchat sexting may also influence your child’s interaction with friends and family because of changes in their priorities. They might introduce you to new ‘friends’ they made on the internet and interact less with their siblings or old friends.

Part 4. Best Way to Protect Your Child from Snapchat Sexting-Using Parental Control App

4.1. What is Msafely

Msafely is a trusted parental control app used by parents globally to stay updated about their children’s whereabouts and online activity. You can monitor your child's activity remotely from anywhere in the world. The best part is that Msafely gives you real-time updates on your child's phone activity and location.

4.2. Key features of Msafely

• The verification process takes only two minutes.
• There is no icon or email push on the targeted phone, leaving no trail of the app.
• You get real-time data traction and updates through continuous refreshing.
• The data is encrypted and 100% safe.
• The app is compatible with all Android and iOS devices.
• The Msafely customer support is available anytime.

4.3. What phone activities can Msafely monitor

Msafely tracks a wide range of apps on the target phone, including social media applications. You can monitor the following when using Msafely for added protection:

4.4. How to use Msafely to protect your kids from Snapchat texting

You can protect your kids from Snapchat sexting by monitoring the app's activity on their phones. Here's how to use Msafely on the target phone:

Step 1. Register your Msafely account with a valid email.

Step 2. Select the device you want to monitor.

Step 3. Connect the target device.

Start monitoring the target phone through your Msafely Control Panel.

Part 5. What Should You Do If You Find out Your Child is Involved in Snapchat Sexting

Seeing your child get engulfed by the evils of social media by engaging in sexting on Snapchat can be devastating. Yet, knowing and planning your next steps is critical to ensure their safety without making them rebellious.

• Have an open dialogue

Clear communication is the foundation of building trust in your children and showing that you’re concerned about their safety. You can have an open dialogue about Snapchat sexting porn and how it can be harmful to teens without mentioning that you're talking about them in particular.

• Teach them to say No

Often, kids fall prey to predators on Snapchat because of the pressure and bullying they receive. Teach your children the importance of setting boundaries and saying no when they feel uncomfortable in any situation.

• Talk about legal consequences of sexting

As mentioned earlier, sexting is not only emotionally and mentally damaging but also have legal implications. So, you must tell your kids that this is a no-go area, even if they are sexting another minor.

• Build trust

Do not attack your child even if you know that they are sexting. Instead, be calm and realistic when communicating your concerns and assure that you are on their side if anyone harasses them online.

• Set screen time limits

Navigating phone usage with teenagers can be complicated as they do not want to be restricted. However, it is sometimes necessary. You may or may not mention that you're aware of their sexting interactions and implement time limits to keep them away from Snapchat.

• Use a parental control app

Using a parental control app is among the best ways to see how your child is using the app and whether they are interacting with Snapchat sexting accounts. These monitoring apps give you insights into the shared content and more control over your child's online activity.

Part 6. FAQs about Snapchat Sexting

Q1. Does Snapchat allow sexting?

Snapchat is a social media application for sharing images and videos with your family and friends. It prohibits sharing, promoting, or distributing pornographic content. They also ban commercial activities related to sexual interactions and pornography.

Q2. Why was Snapchat created for sexting?

While the Snapchat app mentions that it does not promote sexting or pornography, lore says that co-founder Reggie Brown wanted to create an app that lets users sext without worrying about evidence. Thus, Snapchat was born with the ability to minimize the chances of screenshotting and recording shared snaps or texts.

Q3. What to do if someone sends inappropriate pictures on Snapchat?

You can report inappropriate pictures on Snapchat from people you know or don't know. Press and hold the received snap and select "Report." Then, you can choose from multiple options, including nudity and sexual content.

Q4. Is Snapchat safe for private videos?

Snapchat is generally considered safe for sexting and private videos because of its automatic message disappearing feature. However, like every other site, content shared on Snapchat is also susceptible to inappropriate usage.

Q5. Is Snapchat used for hooking up?

While Snapchat does not work the same way as Tinder or Bumble, it is one of the most convenient apps for hooking up. You can add random people from anywhere worldwide; flirt, sext, or hook up per your preference.

Part 7. Conclusion

Though Snapchat initially gained popularity as a snap-sharing social media app with quirky filters, it quickly gained a position as a sexting app. Snapchat sexting has become quite common among young adults and teenagers, with 1 in 7 teens sending sexually explicit texts and 1 in 4 receiving them.

Your child might be sexting on Snapchat if they are more secretive about their phone, sleeping late at night, or dropping grades at school. Thus, it is essential to teach your kids about consent and boundaries, set screen time, share the legal consequences of sexting, and use a parental control app.