My 16 year old has it and I never check it. My 11 year old does not have a phone yet, but I think when he does get a phone he will be allowed Instagram and facebook (not sure if kids still do facebook). Once you reach HS and you have shown maturity with social media I'll allow snapchat or whatever similar site there is at that time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Almost impossible to monitor.

My kids have it but they are older, it makes me nervous and I randomly check it.

I don't check the junior in HS anymore, but I check the younger one. But he could easily tell kids when they can send bad stuff.
also there are creepers on snapchat (and Instagram) trying to get naked pictures.

You can follow Instagram so I would start with that,but there is chat that can't be monitored.

How do you randomly check snapchat? You just open his unopened messages?

Yes. And then they disappear.

Nothing ever disappears on the internet. EVER.

Remember that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Almost impossible to monitor.

My kids have it but they are older, it makes me nervous and I randomly check it.

I don't check the junior in HS anymore, but I check the younger one. But he could easily tell kids when they can send bad stuff.
also there are creepers on snapchat (and Instagram) trying to get naked pictures.

You can follow Instagram so I would start with that,but there is chat that can't be monitored.

How do you randomly check snapchat? You just open his unopened messages?

Yes. And then they disappear.

Anonymous wrote:Almost impossible to monitor.

My kids have it but they are older, it makes me nervous and I randomly check it.

I don't check the junior in HS anymore, but I check the younger one. But he could easily tell kids when they can send bad stuff.
also there are creepers on snapchat (and Instagram) trying to get naked pictures.

You can follow Instagram so I would start with that,but there is chat that can't be monitored.

How do you randomly check snapchat? You just open his unopened messages?

My DD just got Snapchat after having Instagram for a few months. The way she uses it is really quite silly. She and about 25 friends exchange pictures of each other multiple times per day. The pictures are just random selfies, not like what you'd post on Instagram or Facebook. It's like, here's me sitting in the car on my way to practice. Words seem to be very rarely exchanged in her circles. She says she likes it better because (1) its not like bragging on Instagram and (2) there is a lower threat making a poorly worded comment on Instagram that could make someone mad. It seems rather pointless to me. I think it just makes them feel connected. It's the equivalent of being at home and on the phone with your best friend while you watched TV and didn't actually speak to each other (did anyone else do that in the 70s).

You are exchanging photos one-to-one (except where you post your STORY) so there is less concern about accidently offending someone. She knows nothing is truly private, but it's very different than posting a photo of you and three friends somewhere when there is a 4th friend that was left out (which happens on Instagram all the time). There is a bit of odd flirting with boys that goes on as well. She says boys tend to do things like send photos of the ceiling back. HA!

Almost impossible to monitor.

My kids have it but they are older, it makes me nervous and I randomly check it.

I don't check the junior in HS anymore, but I check the younger one. But he could easily tell kids when they can send bad stuff.
also there are creepers on snapchat (and Instagram) trying to get naked pictures.

You can follow Instagram so I would start with that,but there is chat that can't be monitored.

Anonymous wrote:We let my 14 year old DS get snap chat after he proved himself a decent use of instagram.

The main thing about snapchat is that everyone thinks the snap disappears so it gives false hope that you can say something inappropriate but that it can't be saved so no one will know. But, of course, you can screen shot snapchat or video with another phone so the lesson here (and all around) is that be careful what you say on social media.

By the way, a kid from Bullis was just expelled for using racially derogatory language that someone recorded on snap chat, I believe, so this stuff has lasting power. Tell your kids to be nice and careful.

Thanks. this is very helpful.

Turning 12 in October is "on time" for 6th grade (Montgomery County 9/1 date). that is not the point of this thread.

We let my 14 year old DS get snap chat after he proved himself a decent use of instagram.

The main thing about snapchat is that everyone thinks the snap disappears so it gives false hope that you can say something inappropriate but that it can't be saved so no one will know. But, of course, you can screen shot snapchat or video with another phone so the lesson here (and all around) is that be careful what you say on social media.

By the way, a kid from Bullis was just expelled for using racially derogatory language that someone recorded on snap chat, I believe, so this stuff has lasting power. Tell your kids to be nice and careful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, 6th grade, age 12.5. I looked it up and I believe it's supposed to be for 13 and up, but there are 12 yo in the class using it. Would just like to hear some on the ground experience, positive and negative.

How is your kid 12.5 in 6th grade? My daughter started high school at 13?

I don't know why your daughter started high school at 13? So not the point but my "on time" DS had his driving learner's permit in 9th grade and was driving himself to school as a sophomore.

Anonymous wrote:OP here, 6th grade, age 12.5. I looked it up and I believe it's supposed to be for 13 and up, but there are 12 yo in the class using it. Would just like to hear some on the ground experience, positive and negative.

How is your kid 12.5 in 6th grade? My daughter started high school at 13?

13 is the minimum. Anything less, they are breaking the law. Do not negotiate.

At 13 my daughter was allowed ONE social media. She picked Instagram. I told her she could get one more at 14 if her grades were all A and B's.

You do not owe your kids anything. They should earn the right to a phone, social media, etc....

OP here, 6th grade, age 12.5. I looked it up and I believe it's supposed to be for 13 and up, but there are 12 yo in the class using it. Would just like to hear some on the ground experience, positive and negative.

Age? I am also interested in this. Have 11 yo

My son told me a bunch of kids in his class are starting to use snapchat. Would love some advice....thanks in advance.