Snapchat's exciting look and feel attracts millions of users who enjoy sharing photos and videos with friends. But how old do you have to be to use Snapchat? And what are the risks for kids who are too young to join?
How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Snapchat?
According to Snapchat's Terms of Service, you have to be at least 13 years old to create an account and use the app. This is because Snapchat has to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a US law that protects the privacy and safety of children under 13 on the internet. COPPA requires online services to get parental consent before collecting or using personal information from children under 13.
Snapchat collects personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, location, photos, videos, and messages, which means it has to follow COPPA's rules.
How Does Snapchat Verify the Age of Its Users?
Snapchat relies on its users to provide accurate information about their age when they sign up for the app. It asks for the user's date of birth, and if they enter a date that makes them younger than 13, they told they're not eligible to sign up.
However, this system is not foolproof, as some users may lie or change their age on Snapchat to bypass the age restriction.
Why Is There a Minimum Age for Joining Snapchat?
The minimum age requirement for joining Snapchat is not just a random rule. It protects children from the potential risks and dangers of using social media.
Some of these risks include:
- Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
- Online predators and cyberbullying.
- Privacy and security breaches.
Your Online Safety Is Important
Snapchat is a fun and creative way to communicate with friends and family, but it is not for everyone. If you are under 13, you should not use Snapchat because it may not be safe or appropriate.
Your online safety and privacy are important, so it's worth waiting until you're 13 before joining Snapchat—or any other social network.