Parent Safeguarding Briefing Memo

June 2017

Snapchat launches location sharing update ‘Snap Map’

On Wednesday 21st June the popular Social Media App, ‘Snapchat’ released an update called Snap Map that allows for location sharing.

An article posted by the BBC on Friday 23rd June explains that this opt-in function lets people search for places such as schools and see videos and pictures posted by children inside. It also lets people locate their "friends" on a map that is accurate enough to determine where people live.

Whilst the location sharing function may well have its benefits for ‘friends’ to meet up, it also raises specific safety concerns.

Once you get onto the 'Snap Map' it will show where your child's Snapchat friends are and what they are doing there (if they share a picture). The update also allows you to upload Snaps to 'Our Story' so that anyone can see your picture.

Anyone who is a ‘friend’ on your child’s Snapchat account would be able to locate their exact whereabouts if this function is enabled, and could then track them. This has raised some serious concerns regarding safeguarding.
Parents wishing to read the article can find it on the BBC website using the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-40382876

We would recommend that parents and carers check their child’s privacy settings for this App and have a conversation with them to determine its safety and how and when the location sharing function is used, if at all.

How to switch off Snap Map location sharing

• When in photo-taking mode, pinch the screen to open Snap Map
• Touch the settings cog in the top right corner of the screen
• Tap "Ghost Mode" to switch off location sharing
• Photos and videos posted to Snapchat's public 'Our Story' will still be discoverable on the map

Many Thanks

Lisa Thomas, Designated Safeguarding Lead.