Safety Tips for Snapchat Users

Snapchat is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. It connects, informs, and entertains us. The app is easy to use and provides a lot of fun, which especially attracts the younger generation.

However, users’ safety on every app is one of the main concerns. Snapchat users may face problems like cyberbullying, hacking, social media addiction, catfishing, doxing, and much more. And even though Snapchat is not the only app that has these dangers, today we’ll talk only about it.

Here’s what you should do to protect your safety on Snapchat:

Create a Strong Password

A complex password offers solid protection. Using one with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is wise. Ensure that it is unique and that you haven’t used it anywhere else. It’s also advisable to avoid using personal information when creating a passcode. Update it frequently to enhance the safety of your account. Avoid sharing your password with others, no matter how trustworthy those people seem.

Report Bullies

You will occasionally encounter offensive users who send inappropriate snaps or messages. It is wise to set up boundaries the moment this happens. You can report a snap by pressing and holding on it and tapping “Report Snap.” You can also report the bully by clicking the dots at the top of their profile, selecting “Report” from the options available and indicating your reason.

Shockingly, your bully could be someone you know who’s trying to mess with you under a fake name. If their phone number is mentioned, do a Nuwber search to see who it might be. Nuwber will show you this person’s real full name, age, address, and other relevant information.

Be Selective with What You Post

You have to be careful with what you post online. This is necessary not only for your physical safety, but also for your mental health. Thanks to social media, making and meeting new friends is now effortless. This could, however, be dangerous, especially if you’re posting a lot of personal information, and could result in stalking and online bullying. It’s good to be selective with who you share personal stories; For this, Snapchat has a “Remove viewers” button that protects your privacy.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Password breaches are quite common and happen at the most unexpected time. Enabling multi-factor account authentication is a surefire way to deny hackers access to your account, even if they have your password. This also ensures that your account stays safe in case you change your phone number, lose your phone, or restore its original factory settings. To enable this, open Snapchat and tap on “Settings.” You’ll then see a two-factor authentication option. Tap on it and select “Continue” to complete.

Hide Your Location

Snapchat has a map that enables users to locate their friends in real-time. You can activate ghost mode so your contacts can’t see where you are. You do this by going to the settings section, tapping on privacy control, and selecting “See my location.” You can set it such that only selected, trusted friends could see your whereabouts. Opt for Ghost Mode so that nobody could see your location.

Join Family Center on Snapchat

Family Center is an essential tool for parents who seek to protect their children on Snapchat. Children can add their parents as friends and accept their invitation to enroll them as family members. This gives parents access to a list of their kids’ friends and the time stamp of their last messages in the past week. This is a crucial tool for protecting minors and loved ones on Snapchat. In addition, adding someone you trust to control you will enhance your safety as they can find you or your device in case of loss.

Be Honest About Your Age

Social media platforms require you to add your birthday when signing up. The platforms use this information to provide you with personalized content and advertisements. Snapchat requires you to be at least 13. However, it’s advisable not to share your personal details, including your birthday, with other users on Snapchat. Only mention your date of birth when signing up. This way, you protect yourself from scammers who might be interested in acquiring your personal information.

Use a Private Internet Connection

Public WiFi makes your account accessible to hackers. A Virtual Private Network helps encrypt your traffic when you access your Snapchat account with a public network. Hence, protecting your data from malicious third parties. Alternatively, you can use a private or personal WiFi network. It is the safest way to connect to the internet on any device without worrying about security issues.

Perform Regular Privacy Checkups

Regular privacy checkups help keep unwanted eyes from your content and personal information. Social media companies update their policies all the time. This could affect the rules on how you share your content on social media platforms, including Snapchat. You, therefore, need to regularly check your privacy settings and make relevant changes that suit you.

Take a Break from the App

It’s always a good idea to take a step back from addictive habits once in a while, and social media is one of them. In an age where everyone is on social media, occasional breaks will protect your mental health. It will also freshen your excitement for the platforms. You can opt to turn off your Snapchat notifications for a short period to tame impulsive checks for updates. You can also designate specific times to use Snapchat to avoid social media addiction.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself on Snapchat is imperative in all ways possible. Whether that means using a foolproof password, private internet connection, or multi-factor authentication. Mind what you post to avoid online harassment. To keep your sanity, be honest about details like your interests or age that determine the personalized ads you see. Occasional social media detox is necessary to avoid addiction and maintain mental health. 

In general, Snapchat is a safe app. Sometimes it’s only up to you to take the necessary measures to protect your online privacy.