Snapchat

[Mandymoonboob]

What are your rules for things like Snapchat for a 12-13 year old?

Yes I agree - more education on how to control broadband would be good, we have controls that block certain websites and the ability to set certain times for wifi for specific devices - very useful!! Definitely a privilege not a right! Plus I remind mine when you log on to wifi elsewhere you usually have to signup to agree to certain conditions!

@OC71 just to say I’m also with Virgin and I’ve been into settings and blocked specific websites (Snapchat and insta) from the Wi-Fi router but it hasn’t worked as I can still access the sites. It’s an absolute headache - I’m mainly trying to prevent dealing which I know is being done on these sites locally. Does anyone know how to solve?

Try adding the website name in various ways e.g.
https://www.snapchat.com/
https://accounts.snapchat.com/
www.snapchat.com
snapchat.com
web.snapchat.com
And don't forget to click save changes.

Also, parents may wish to read this.
https://www.virginmedia.com/broadband/parental-control

When you say the chromebook is theirs - in what sense? Did they pay for it? Do they pay for the broadband? It really doesn't matter in the end. You are the adult and they simply do not know what they don't know. They need us to be tough on this and ride out whatever tantrum / sulk / door slamming that results. It does depend on the child to some extent - one of mine knows the password to the payment option and asks every single time they want an in app purchase for anything at all, even less than a £1. I 100% trust her with content, but not time usage, so she still has limits and downtime. The other one who got into bother with SC is much more tightly locked down for his own protection. I have learned to my cost that you simply cannot assume its ok or that they are sensible until they have proved it and frankly any footstamping tantrums will just result in more restrictions as far as I am concerned.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse than what I saw on my son's Snapchat, I had a look at my child's Telegram! The level of porn on there that a child can easily access is vile and shocking. That's another app now blocked. I'm so fuming with my child and tech companies.

never even heard of Telegram!

Oh no! For info the tips up thread about blocking insta and Snapchat (and now telegram) works for some devices in the house but not all of them 😭, it is a constant battle and worry

Joining this thread as we’ve encountered problems with group chat. I felt there were issues but attempting to control/remove the phone was akin to amputating a limb. Issues on a group chat have now necessitated a clampdown and removal of devices. I’m feeling lost in the world of technology but need to get to grips with how to block stuff too.

I’ve just gone through 15yo dds snap and it’s going again.

i hate social media. It’s ruining our children.

Absolutely not. I waited till age 15 even though it caused lots of rows. Wish no one had it till 16.

I put a password on dds iPhone. They can’t access AppStore without it. You can also set time limits that they can’t change

My DS getting drawn into stuff on there. It’s addictive too imo. He’s on a tech ban but I didn’t remove his gaming computer as he’d be so bored and isolated I feared without that. I’m sure he’s loaded it on there as last night I got a code and a password change notification on my phone. He’s denying it saying the account might have been hacked, it’s a security thing coz he hasn’t logged in to the confiscated devices etc, etc, blah, blah, blah. I’m trying to google to check out his stories as he tells me a mixture of fact and fiction. Ultimately we just want to keep them safe but they don’t see it plus I fear ostracism from the few friends he has without it but these massive chat groups he gets involved in are risky. I don’t know if there’s a way to control Snapchat. It all feels out of hand to me and worrying.

I’m considering a mobile with buttons. No apps just the ability to text and call. Other dd has a secret Facebook account and TikTok even though I’ve banned her and blocked them.

I get you. I’d like to do this for my son too but it’s a massive part of his teen hood. He’s SEN so when used properly it’s a connection with the few friends he has although I’m left questioning the quality of these friendships now and if they’re all actually triggering each other online. I don’t want him ostracised but using it sensibly and safely seems a big ask too 🤷‍♀️ It’s a nightmare….

It’s so hard isn’t it. I’ve done all of the security things and they still get around it.

Yes, and we were never massively on it as I just don’t understand the capability. I hate tech myself so constantly trying to understand this is hard. Yes, we have get arounds going on. Multiple snap chat accounts somehow, accusations of hacking and it’s not me which can go on. I checked this out on here. It’s so hard to find out the truth to know what we’re dealing with. I think spot checking is necessary again which feels a bit intrusive with a nearly 15 year old and knowing this he’ll more likely delete more or revert to subterfuge but if you remove and alienate from friends they hate you. I know as parents we’re not here to be liked but hatred damages the bond and it’s like living in a war zone at home then 🙈

Hey! For 12-13 year olds, I’d say keeping Snapchat usage limited and monitored is key 😅. Things like turning off location, keeping the account private, and reviewing friend lists regularly are super important. Also, setting daily time limits can help manage screen time.

If you want to track activity safely and see how your child interacts on Snapchat, apps like OnlyTraced for monitoring Snapchat account activity and usage patterns for kids can give parents a clear picture without being invasive.

It’s all about balancing safety with letting them have some independence!