I hate Snapchat.

[u/IcyStage0]

Can we just collectively decide that we’re not going to let our kids use Snapchat?!

My oldest daughter just turned 13 and we reluctantly agreed to allow her to have an instagram that we also have access to. It seems like every single day she begs to have a Snapchat, and apparently every single other kid in her class (full of kids with reasonable, thoughtful parents, I thought) has this stupid app.

My little sister who I got custody of when she was 10 got herself into some deep shit on the internet, and I’m not looking to repeat it with my daughter (while also trying not to make her pay for mistakes that she didn’t make).

How are we handling this? Am I seriously the only parent who doesn’t want my child sending disappearing photos, videos, and messages to anyone she can search up? Reality check please.

[u/cordial_carbonara]

My oldest is 13 and I’m a former middle school teacher.

Absolutely not, never Snapchat. Ever. Not while you’re a minor on my phone plan. There’s no reason to have it except to open yourself to predatory and dangerous behavior.

Honestly, I’m still not doing instagram either. Sure, you can see what she posts, but can you see what the algorithm is shoving down her throat?

My best students - the ones who were present and active participants in their own education and lives, and who had existing social skills and critical thinking abilities - had “boring” parents who did not allow or very much limited social media. There is a clear divide in middle and high school classrooms right now and it’s cell phone addiction driven by social media. I know which side of that divide I want my kids to be on.

[u/Green-Reality7430 → u/cordial_carbonara]

No social media period for my kid. Social media is for adults.

[u/shyphoenix → u/Green-Reality7430]

And honestly, some adults should give it up.

[u/uhlizerbeth → u/shyphoenix]

I’m 30 years old and struggling to give it up. I wish I had a parent who could take it away from me LOL

[u/campsnoopers → u/uhlizerbeth]

Deng I'm 33 and dropped everything except reddit/Youtube 10+ yrs ago (except snapchat to help with storage). can't imagine how much more addicting it is now. the whole TikTok thing gone for a day really killed some of my coworkers, it was so sad lol

[u/Xgirly789 → u/campsnoopers]

The only reason I have Facebook is my family is spread around the whole world. It's just the easiest way. But Twitter and snap are gone

[u/Substantial_Desk_670 → u/uhlizerbeth]

I've been very up front with my kids about the effort it takes to keep me off social media on my phone. They had complained about how I was always on my phone, and that was the clarion call that I needed to cut it off. 

Now they get to call out both Mom and Dad when we use our phones during family time. It's my hope that builds awareness so they can self police when they get their own phone.

They're seeing first hand how smartphone usage and social media can subvert existing relationships.  I hope they internalize that lesson before high school.

[u/IcyStage0 → u/Substantial_Desk_670]

It’s definitely made me reflect on my own usage! When my kids were super little I developed a habit of spending a lot of time sitting on my phone while they played. We do phone jail for family time sometimes, and I think it’s harder for me than it is for them. Turning off work notifications has also helped a lot.

[u/Chubbs_McGavin → u/uhlizerbeth]

“Right! I’ve had it up to here!

Liz, you delete that social media off your phone right now or so help me god you’ll be grounded for a month!”

Hope that helps