With all the global events going on, especially the current war, children can easily access disturbing or graphic content through features like SnapMap on Snapchat. This tool allows users to see what’s happening around the world, which may include unsettling images from conflict zones. As parents, it’s important to understand what SnapMap is, how it works, and how to manage it to keep your kids safe.
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What Is SnapMap?
SnapMap is a feature in Snapchat that lets users share their location with friends in real time. It shows a map of where your child is, down to specific locations like their street or a nearby park. T
hey can also see where their friends are if they’ve enabled location sharing
. Besides that, SnapMap shows public “snaps” (photos and videos) from around the world, which can include everything from fun events to serious news stories.
Is SnapMap Turned On Automatically?
No, SnapMap is not turned on automatically. Your child has to enable location sharing for others to see their location. However, many kids may activate it without fully understanding the risks, so it’s a good idea to check their settings regularly.
How to Disable SnapMap
Here’s how you can turn off or manage SnapMap for your child:
- Open Snapchat and swipe down on the main screen to access SnapMap.
- Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to open settings.
- Enable Ghost Mode to hide your child’s location from everyone. They’ll still be able to see where their friends are, but no one can see them.
- For more control, you can also limit who can see their location by choosing specific friends or turning off location access in the phone’s settings.
Why SnapMap Can Be Risky
Although SnapMap sounds fun, it comes with some serious risks that parents should be aware of:
- Exposure to Graphic Content: Given the current war and other global events, SnapMap can show public snaps from conflict zones, where your child might see disturbing or graphic images. This content isn’t always filtered, so it’s easy for kids to stumble upon things they aren’t ready to see.
- Location Tracking: If SnapMap is turned on, anyone on your child’s friends list can see exactly where they are. This means people can know when they’re at home, at school, or hanging out in a particular place, which can be risky if their friends list includes people they don’t know well.
- Oversharing: Even if your child is careful about who they share their location with, their friends could take screenshots or share their location with others, leading to unintended exposure.
Dangers of SnapMap in the news

“Snap Map will broadcast your exact location to anyone on your friends list every time you open the app”.The Verge

“Given how specific this new feature is on Snapchat – giving your location to a precise pinpoint on a map – we would encourage users not to share their location, especially with people they don’t know in person,” The Guardian
How to Keep Your Child Safe on SnapMap
- Enable Ghost Mode: This is the easiest way to make sure your child’s location is private. They can still use the app and see what their friends are up to, but no one will be able to track where they are.
- Talk to Your Child About the Risks: Explain why sharing their location isn’t always safe and why it’s important to be careful. Make sure they understand that while SnapMap can be fun, it comes with risks.
- Limit Access to Public Snaps: Since SnapMap shows real-time stories from around the world, talk to your child about avoiding snaps from areas where graphic or disturbing content might be shared, especially regions involved in conflicts.
- Check Their Settings Regularly: Make a habit of checking your child’s SnapMap settings to ensure location sharing is turned off or limited to trusted friends.
Conclusion
SnapMap presents some serious risks—especially with the potential exposure to graphic content from global events like wars. By turning on Ghost Mode, having open conversations about the dangers, and keeping an eye on their settings, you can help keep your child safe while using Snapchat. Remember, staying involved in their online activities is one of the best ways to protect them from potential risks.