This Is Part ONe of a Series. The Tip of the Iceberg.

This guide equips UK parents, guardians, and educators with practical tools to protect young people from online risks, focusing on why Snapchat is not safe for children. Drawing from authoritative sources like the National Crime Agency (NCA), CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command), and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), it addresses key challenges, preventive measures, and recent legislative changes. The Lewis Edwards case (2023) illustrates the dangers of Snapchat, highlighting its role in enabling predatory behaviour. Updated as of April 2025, this resource empowers adults to safeguard children in the digital world.

Understanding Why Snapchat Is Not Safe

Young people face significant threats on platforms like Snapchat, where features designed for engagement can be exploited. Snapchat is not safe due to its unique design, which predators can manipulate to target children. Below are the primary risks:

Common Challenges

• Disappearing Content: Snapchat’s auto-deleting messages and stories hinder parental monitoring, allowing harmful interactions to go undetected.
• Location Services: Snap Map can broadcast a child’s real-time location, exposing them to physical dangers.
• Anonymous Messaging: Predators can use fake accounts to contact children, masking their identity.
• Digital Footprint: Despite “temporary” content, screenshots or recordings can create permanent records, risking a child’s privacy.

The Lewis Edwards Case (2023)

In 2023, Lewis Edwards, a South Wales police officer, used Snapchat to groom over 200 girls aged 10–16. Posing as a teenager, he coerced victims into sending explicit images and blackmailed some into offline meetings. While no disappearances occurred, the case underscores why Snapchat is not safe, as its disappearing messages enabled Edwards to evade detection. This incident highlights the platform’s potential to facilitate predatory behaviour, posing risks that could escalate to real-world harm. For more details, see the BBC’s coverage of the Lewis Edwards case.

Official Guidance and Resources

Several UK organisations provide resources to combat online risks, particularly on platforms where Snapchat is not safe for unsupervised use.

Key Organisations

• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)
  • Offers 24/7 reporting for online abuse.
  • Provides educational materials for parents and schools.
  • Connects to law enforcement for urgent cases.
  • Visit: www.ceop.police.uk.
• Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
  • Runs a hotline for reporting illegal content.
  • Works with tech companies to remove harmful material.
  • Offers safety resources for families.
  • Learn more: www.iwf.org.uk.
• ThinkuKnow
  • Delivers age-appropriate safety education.
  • Provides resources for parents and educators.
  • Updates on emerging risks, including Snapchat’s dangers.
  • Explore: www.thinkuknow.co.uk.

Preventive Measures to Address Snapchat’s Risks

Parents can take proactive steps to protect children, especially on platforms like Snapchat, where Snapchat is not safe without strict oversight.

For Parents and Guardians

Open Communication

• Regularly discuss Snapchat usage and online activities.
• Foster a safe environment for children to report concerns.
• Stay informed about Snapchat’s features and risks.

Technical Solutions

• Enable parental controls on devices and Snapchat’s limited settings.
• Review privacy settings to disable Snap Map and restrict contacts.
• Monitor devices for unauthorised apps or accounts.

Education and Awareness

• Teach children to question suspicious Snapchat interactions.
• Explain the risks of sharing personal information.
• Highlight the permanence of digital actions, even with disappearing content.

For practical advice, check Internet Matters’ Snapchat Safety Guide.

Support Services

Emergency Contacts

• CEOP: Report abuse at www.ceop.police.uk.
• Childline: Call 0800 1111 (tel:+448001111) for free support.
• NSPCC: Contact 0808 800 5000 (tel:+448088005000) for guidance.

Additional Resources

• UK Safer Internet Centre: Safety tools at www.saferinternet.org.uk.
• Parent Zone: Digital parenting resources at www.parentzone.org.uk.
• Internet Matters: App-specific guides at www.internetmatters.org.

Recent Developments Reinforcing That Snapchat Is Not Safe

Legislative Progress

The Online Safety Act 2023, fully implemented by 2025, introduces protections to address platforms where Snapchat is not safe:

• Stricter Age Verification: Snapchat must verify user ages to limit underage access.
• Platform Accountability: Fines for failing to remove harmful content.
• Enhanced Reporting: Mandatory clear reporting mechanisms.

Learn more at GOV.UK’s Online Safety Act page.

Platform Requirements

Social media platforms, including Snapchat, must:

• Implement robust age verification.
• Provide transparent reporting processes.
• Respond swiftly to safety concerns.
• Maintain clear safety policies.

Despite these measures, Snapchat is not safe due to its design, as evidenced by the Lewis Edwards case, which exposed ongoing vulnerabilities.

Taking Action to Mitigate Snapchat’s Dangers

Immediate Steps

DELETE SNAPCHAT – SAVE YOUR CHILD’S LIFE

Review Current Settings

• Check Snapchat’s privacy settings to limit contacts and visibility.
• Disable location-sharing features like Snap Map.
• Remove unused or risky apps from devices.

Create Family Guidelines

• Set rules for Snapchat use, such as time limits and approved contacts.
• Define consequences for breaking rules, like app restrictions.
• Agree on regular device check-ins.

Stay Informed

• Follow CEOP, IWF, and ThinkuKnow for updates.
• Monitor Snapchat’s safety policies via their Safety Centre.
• Attend safety workshops from schools or Parent Zone.

Conclusion

Protecting children online, particularly on platforms where Snapchat is not safe, requires constant vigilance. Snapchat’s disappearing content, location-sharing, and anonymous messaging make it a risky platform, as shown by the Lewis Edwards case. By staying informed, using resources, and fostering open communication, parents can help children navigate the digital world safely. For the latest guidance, consult the listed organisations.

This guide was updated in April 2025. For real-time updates, visit www.ceop.police.uk or www.iwf.org.uk.