Snapchat Sexting Among Teens Is a Concern Nowadays: Guide for Parents What to Do

Snapchat has gained a significant rise in users between 18 and 24 globally. Women in this age group involve over 17% of all users, making them a key target market for the app. While the number of Snapchat users rose and reached over 548 million in 2022, which is 123% more than in 2018, Statista reports that by 2027, it is estimated that 673 million people will be using this instant messaging app.

Snapchat is a platform where messages, or snaps, disappear after they’ve been opened. Because of its nature, sending nudes is quite popular, and unfortunately, teens do it daily here. As a result, this IM app can be a haven for sexual predators, and you must be vigilant to keep your child safe from sexting on Snapchat.

This is where uMobix, a parental control app that has been on the market for years, steps in. With its experience, uMobix knows how to ensure safety when using apps like Snapchat. It offers parents the tools to monitor activity and help protect their children from potential dangers, including Snap texting when being online. 

In this article, you will find out what Snapchat sexting is, why kids are the most frequent victims of sending nudes on Snapchat, and get the answer to the question: Why is Snapchat used for sexting? Let’s delve in.

What Is Snapchat Sexting?

Snapchat sexting refers to the act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos through the Snapchat app. Because all the messages are sent through Snapchat and self-destruct, many users feel a false sense of security that their content will not be saved or shared, explaining why many users are sending nudes on Snapchat. 

Unfortunately, it is not the truth. Many users, especially those with malicious intentions (online predators and psychics), can still take screenshots or use third-party software to save the content they get through the platform.

Why Is Snapchat Used for Sexting?

Snapchat is one of teens’ favorite apps because of its disappearing messages feature (text messages are automatically erased once the recipient opens and reads them). So, kids feel a false sense of freedom, enabling them to send any message and share various videos along with photos without worrying that it could be shared with other users. Here are the main reasons explaining the immense popularity of teen Snapchat sexting:

• All the content they share through the platform is instantly deleted once the recipient reads it, giving them the wrong thought that it won’t be shared with other users.
• Snapchat alerts users if someone takes a screenshot of their Snap sexting, which makes them feel in control. But people can still use other ways to save snaps.
• Because of the temporary nature of snaps, kids think the app provides a high level of security and anonymity, encouraging them to share nudity on Snapchat.
• The app is easy to use, requiring minimal effort to share content with other users. 

Despite the perception of safety, Snapchat sexting still carries significant risks, as recipients can save content or share it without consent.

Snapchat Sexting Statistics

Snapchat, widely considered by parents and safety experts as one of the most dangerous apps for kids, was included on the 2023 Dirty Dozen List – companies that fail to take adequate steps to protect users, particularly minors, from harm. Snapchat was included in the Dirty Dozen List because of its extensive amount of sexually explicit and harmful content combined with weak content moderation. 

A new report from Thorn and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children released in 2024 analyzed more than 15M sextortion reports to NCMEC between 2020-2023. 

The report found: 

• Out of all messages on which perpetrators threatened to share sexual harassment images, 8.3% mentioned Snapchat.
• 16.7% of cases mentioned Snapchat as the #2 platform where perpetrators actually distributed sextortion images.
• 31.6% of cases identified Snapchat as the #2 platform where perpetrators initially contacted victims for sextortion.
• 35.8% of cases listed Snapchat as the #1 secondary platform where victims were moved after initial contact.

Teen Snapchat Sexting Statistics

While people of all ages use Snapchat, it’s popular among the youth, with nearly 20% of its user base being people from 13-17. Here are some Snapchat sext statistics.

1. Snapchat is the 5th most popular global mobile messenger app as of April 2024, with 800 million monthly active users. According to Evan Spiegel, the co-founder and CEO of Snap, Snapchat is used by over 100M Americans, including more than 20M teenagers.
2. Snapchat reaches 90% of the 13-24 year old population and 75% of the 13-34-year-old population in 25+ countries.
3. Snapchat is one of the biggest sexting sites due to the disappearing messages, where screenshots potentially put your child in danger.
4. It takes the first position among the other platforms where the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children saw children receiving unwanted sexual advances from predators in 2024.
5. It is the #1 parent-reported platform for sharing child sexual abuse material.
6. The #1 platform where minors have reported a sexual experience online.

Snap Sexting Risks and Other Reasons Why Snapchat Is a Concern for Parents

Teens exploring their sexuality is nothing new, but platforms like Snapchat are not an age-appropriate place. Snapchat can be a dangerous place for teenagers for several reasons, such as:

• Grooming: A sexual predator who can pretend to be a teenager or target an emotionally vulnerable teen and use this platform to groom them.
• Sextortion: A person may use screenshotted Snapchat nudes as blackmail or use them in other ways to harm a teenager.
• Screen recording: It is another danger your kid may face with when using the app. While Snapchats vanish, it does not mean the recipient won’t take a screenshot or record the screen to save your text, photo, or video. Snapchat does notify the other user that their pic has been screenshotted, but even then, there are ways around this.
• Emotional issues: If your kid’s nudity on Snapchat is leaked, it can lead to embarrassment at school, bullying, stress, depression, and problems with their closest friends.
• Legal consequences: Sending nudes, even among teens of the same age, can be illegal and wrong. If caught, a sender could face prison time and be listed as a sexual offender. Unfortunately, online predators are often very careful, and, in many cases, their actions go unpunished.

5 Signs Your Teen Might Be Snapchat Sexting

Because of the nature of Snapchat, it can be challenging to know when a teen is sending nudes on it. However, if you know the signs, you can make a good guess that something is up.

1. They seem more secretive than usual. While no teen wants you to see what they’re doing, you may notice they’re acting odder than usual. They may go to the other room, cover the screen with their hand, or even sleep with their phone.
2. They get aggressive if you try to pry. Teens may be moody, but a teen who is Snapchat sexting may try to yell at you or show they’re visibly upset in more ways if you try to see what they are doing.
3. You notice their grades are dropping. If your pupil, who usually makes good grades, suddenly performs less in school, that could be a red flag. The fact that directly, of course, sending intimate photos is not related to the deterioration in learning. But! It distracts from the educational process. Your son or daughter starts to dive into something that they are more interested in. They get feedback on their photos, and it’s quite distracting! So pay attention. Maybe it’s a signal. Usually, Snapchat sexting can consume their time and also cause mental health effects that you may notice are affecting their grades.
4. Different friends. While it’s normal for teens to change their friend groups, if their friend circle seems flirtier than usual, it may be a sign they are Snapchat sexting.
5. Trust your gut. Because of how secretive sexting Snapchat is and how the signs can blend in with normal teen behavior, at the end of the day, we suggest that you trust your gut instinct. If something feels wrong, you should investigate. If you suspect your child is Snapchat sexting, you should give them a talk and discuss cyber safety with them. Because not only is sexting dangerous, but it can potentially be a cybercrime. Let’s now look at some of the laws around Snapchat sexting and explain how it can land your teen in hot water.

Is Sexting on Snapchat Legal? US Law Regulations

Sexting Snapchat between consenting adults is perfectly legal. However, if an adult sexts with a minor, they may be charged with jail time fines and be registered as a sex offender, even if it’s an 18-year-old sexting a 17-year-old. Here is the other important information you should know about Snapchat sexting:

While the laws may vary between states, the commonality is that a minor should not be sending nudes to anyone. It can not only be bad for their mental health, but it risks punishments for both the teen and potentially the parent. So, if you suspect your teen is Snapchat sexting, you should do something about it.

If it’s two minors sexting each other, they can still face juvenile court charges. They may face counseling, detention, community service, and other age-appropriate punishments.

In some states, revenge porn is illegal. It is when you post someone’s nudes as revenge, such as after a bad breakup. Even between adults, this can lead to severe charges.

How to Talk About Snapchat Sexting: 10 Tips for Parents

The best way to prevent your teen Snapchat sexting is to discuss it. While talking about this issue can be uncomfortable, you must do so. Here are 10 ways to talk to your kids about sexting on Snapchat.

1. Teach the importance of boundaries. As your kid grows into the era of peer pressure, it’s vital to teach them the importance of saying no and setting up boundaries.
2. Ask them what they know about sexting. This question can be awkward, but their response can show your teen Snapchat sexting.
3. Talk about how everything on the Internet is permanent. Therefore, they must only send something they will not regret later.
4. Tell about how sexting isn’t harmless. Instead, it can have lasting mental and legal consequences.
5. Discuss the legal consequences of sending nudes. Some minors may think sending nudes to another child is okay. Clarify the laws and give examples.
6. Make clear rules. Tell your teen that they should not sext anyone, not answer suspicious messages, and only engage in sexting when they’re of age.
7. Inform them about groomers. The older person isn’t texting them because they are mature for their age but because they are predators.
8. Teach about consent. Talk about consent laws, including the fact that consent can be withdrawn anytime.
9. Be a person your teen would reach out to. If your teen is in trouble, don’t be someone your teen is afraid to speak to.
10. Be realistic. It is perhaps the best piece of advice. Teens will explore their sexuality, and you cannot shelter them forever. Arm them with realistic knowledge and set real boundaries and consequences for their actions.

Bonus: Conversation Starters

If you’re unsure how to approach your teens about Snap sexting, here are some conversation starters to get them thinking. 

Always willing to listen and help. “Honey, you know I’m always here. Feel free to ask anything. And don’t be afraid that I will criticize. You’re just starting your adult journey, and I’ve been going through it for a long time. Maybe I can be of some use to you!”ys here. Feel free to ask anything. And don’t be afraid that I will criticize. You’re just starting your adult journey, and I’ve been going through it for a long time. Maybe I can be of some use to you!”

A trusting beginning to the spread. “Look, I’m not interfering with your personal development in any way, but I want to talk to you. Let’s talk about your body and intimacy. I want you to understand that your body is inviolable until you allow it. And the same goes for photos of it. If you share your body pictures, someone may use them for their purposes sooner or later.”

Cyber alert. “Are you aware that today, many people may be a danger to you online? For example, a lot of crooks or strangers can send you texts or photos to drag you into conversation. You have to be steadfast not to respond to something like this. Block them or tell me.”

The Internet and the lack of data retention. “Since we are talking about the photos that someone can send you via messengers, that is a nuance. You can’t control the process of what happens next with the photo if you send it to someone. The thing is, there are times when someone you trusted starts blackmailing you like that. Threatening to expose your naked photos to the public. Of course, you will be forced to accept the terms to avoid shame.”

What Should You Do If Your Teen Is Snapchat Sexting?

Have you noticed your kid is using Snapchat and worried about the text messages they share through the platform? What should you do as a parent to protect your child?

Use uMobix Snapchat Spy Feature

If you have noticed or suspect your teen Snapchat sexting, installing uMobix parental control app on their device can help a lot. Here’s what you will get right after installing the Snapchat spy app:

• Read all sent/received and even erased text messages your kid shares when using Snapchat.
• Know whether your teen kid’s experience is positive and whether they do not share or get explicit content.
• View photos and videos they share and receive through screenshot reporting.
• View your kid’s games, news, and entertaining add-ons.
• Check whether your kid is not sharing their location with strangers.

The best part when using the app is as follows:

• It works anonymously, guaranteeing your kid will never know you track their Snapchat activities.
• The app supports Android and iOS devices and is fast and easy to download, install, and use.
• Additional 40+ cell phone tracking features are involved in the same plan.
• Regular data updates.
• Screenshot reporting.
• 24/7 live chat support for every user.
• 2-day trial for $1.

Report Snapchat Sexting Accounts

Have you noticed inappropriate content or Snap sexting accounts? Report those Snapchat sexting accounts. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the Snapchat app on your kid’s phone.
2. Find the content or account where the violation was detected. 
3. Long press on the “Snap” or “Story” option.
4. Tap the report button. 
5. Select the reason for the report and type of violation.
6. Provide additional information if needed. 
7. Submit the report. That’s it.

Set Clear Rules and Limits to Avoid Snap Sexting

Set your kid rules for proper online behavior and limit certain apps or screens. It will help you teach your teen how to stay safe online, avoid risky behavior, and balance their time between the Internet and other activities. Creating these guidelines as a family helps everyone understand the importance of responsible internet use.

Teach Online Privacy

It is important to explain to your kid what content can be publicly shared and what cannot. Explain to them that once they send a message, post, video, or any other content through the Internet, it can never be fully deleted and might continue to be shared or spread online.

Resort to Professional Help If Your Kid Continues Sexting on Snapchat

If your teen’s behavior is linked to deeper emotional issues, getting help from a counselor or therapist is important. They can offer support and tools to manage emotions and work through challenges healthily.

Conclusion

Snapchat is one of the apps where teens sext, which can lead to mental and legal consequences. As a parent, educating your teenager about the dangers of Snapchat sexting and having an honest conversation is essential. Teens aren’t perfect, and this is an era where their hormones can get the better of them. 

Make them feel comfortable talking to you if they have an issue, and install a reliable parental control app like uMobix if they have broken any rules. It will help you control their actions without them knowing, guaranteeing absolved safety and security of their data.

We hope this article was helpful for you as a parent. If you haven’t already, talk with your teen about the dangers of Snapchatting nudes.