Snapchat Enhances Teen Safety with New Family Center Features

Snapchat is introducing new location-sharing features to its Family Center, aiming to improve safety and foster better communication between teens and their families. The updates, set to roll out in the coming weeks, provide parents and caregivers with more tools to ensure their teen's safety while using the app.

Live Location Sharing for Real-Time Connectivity

One of the most notable updates is the ability for parents to request live location sharing from their teens. This feature, accessible through the Family Center, allows parents to send a request, and teens can choose to share their real-time location. To promote mutual understanding, parents can also opt to share their own location, making it easier for families to stay connected when apart.

Gaining Insights into Location Sharing Preferences

The Family Center will soon offer parents additional insights into their teen's location-sharing habits. Parents will be able to see which friends their teen is sharing their Snap Map location with, facilitating open conversations about safe and appropriate sharing practices. This enhancement aligns with Snapchat’s commitment to encouraging responsible use of its features.

Travel Notifications for Added Reassurance

Snapchat is also introducing travel notifications to help families stay informed about their teen’s movements. Parents can designate up to three key locations, such as home, school, or the gym, and receive alerts when their teen arrives at or departs from these locations. This feature provides parents with peace of mind as their teens go about their daily activities.

Emphasis on Safety and Privacy

Snapchat maintains its stance that location sharing is turned off by default and can only be enabled between mutually accepted friends. To further reinforce safety, the app will introduce reminders prompting users to review their sharing settings when adding new connections. This measure aims to minimize potential risks associated with sharing sensitive information.

Strengthening Digital Safety Standards

With these updates, Snapchat demonstrates its commitment to creating a safer online environment for teens. By combining advanced parental tools with privacy-first features, the app ensures families can maintain a balance between connectivity and security.

This series of enhancements reflects Snapchat’s proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and empowering families with tools to protect their loved ones while navigating the digital space.