Netsafe teams with Snapchat to boost online safety for teens

Netsafe, New Zealand's online safety organisation, has launched a new toolkit developed in partnership with Snapchat. The initiative aims to help parents gain better visibility into their teens' usage of the popular app, supporting safer and more informed social media interactions.

The Snapchat Family Toolkit is tailored to equip parents with the tools necessary to guide conversations about online safety and provide a better understanding of Snapchat's functionalities. Brent Carey, Chief Executive Officer of Netsafe, noted the unique aspects of Snapchat's design, which promotes real-life conversational dynamics and enhances user privacy and spontaneity.

"While these features are integral to the user experience, they also require thoughtful consideration of online safety for teens," stated Carey. "It's important to note that Snapchat has updated its messaging system over time, with messages now set to delete after 24 hours by default, rather than immediately, to better balance privacy and safety."

Carey emphasised Netsafe's dual commitment to embracing technology while acknowledging its risks. "Given Snapchat's popularity among teenagers, our mission is to give both parents and teens the knowledge and tools to have safer social media experiences," he said.

The Snapchat Family Toolkit contains several key resources, including an overview of what Snapchat is, guides on creating safer accounts, discussion guides tailored for rangatahi (youth), and a Snapchat Action Plan. These materials aim to help parents understand the app and implement practical safety measures.

Netsafe collaborated with Snapchat to ensure the toolkit's content is relevant to New Zealand families and reflects how teenagers in the country use the platform. The app's features include additional protections for young people to ensure interactions focus on close friends, prevent unwanted contact, and provide age-appropriate experiences.

Snapchat's Family Centre is an in-app tool that allows parents and carers to see their teens' Snapchat contacts and set Content Controls, facilitating important safety-related conversations.

"We recognise that while there is always a risk of online harm when young people are using these types of apps, the reality is that teenagers are using them," Carey remarked. "Often, parents may not be aware of the measures that can be implemented. Our toolkit is a crucial resource, educating parents on practical ways to help teens engage positively with the platform."

Ben Au, Public Policy Lead for Australia and New Zealand at Snapchat, expressed pride in the partnership with Netsafe. "We know Netsafe is the trusted voice for online safety in New Zealand and we're proud to be able to partner with them to develop a Snapchat Family Toolkit designed specifically with New Zealand parents in mind," Au said. "We know that Kiwis, including teens, use Snapchat to communicate with their closest friends and family, and our goal is for New Zealanders to engage in a safe, positive, and creative way on Snapchat. This new Toolkit helps us to achieve this."

This toolkit is part of Netsafe's broader efforts to promote online safety during Netsafety Week 2024. Earlier in the week, Netsafe, in partnership with the Classification Office, unveiled groundbreaking research into body image, further highlighting their commitment to safer digital environments for young people.