Snapchat announced on Wednesday that it is releasing new resources to help teachers create safe environments in schools by better understanding how students are using the app. The company unveiled a new website dedicated to helping teachers become familiar with the app, as well as a resource document to help keep students safe.
The announcement comes as Snapchat and other social networks come under fire from lawmakers for not doing enough to protect children and young people on their platforms, and as mental health experts warn that social media can pose “significant risks” to young people's mental health.
Snapchat says more than 20 million teens use its app in the U.S., and that it is the third-most used app among teens, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey. Snapchat has released several features to protect teens on the app over the past few years, but Wednesday's announcement focuses on bringing those efforts to the classroom.
The website, called the “Snapchat Guide for Educators,” provides information about how the app works, along with an overview of Snapchat's safety tools. The website also includes downloadable resources that educators can share with parents and counselors to address issues students may face online, such as bullying and sextortion.
Image credit: Snap
To help educators support the wellbeing of their students, Snapchat has published a resource document focused on equipping educators with the knowledge they need, outlining tips on promoting safe online practices, creating school policies around social media use, combating sextortion, and more.
Additionally, Snapchat will be introducing a new feedback form so educators can share how Snapchat is being used in their schools and provide feedback directly to the social network.