What parents need to know: : An anonymous chat client through which users discuss anything they'd like.Its conversations are filled with lewd language and references to sexual content, drugs and alcohol, and violence.Why it's popular: Online chat rooms have been around for ages, as have the iffy and inappropriate conversations that happen in them. Why it's popular: There's something to be said about sharing one's innermost thoughts without repercussions, especially if those thoughts aren't socially acceptable: It's cathartic.
Users don't have to reveal real names, so there's a layer of anonymity.
Why it's popular: You can send unlimited messages without depleting your texting limit; you can see whether someone has read your message; you can send individual or group messages; you can surf the Web from inside the app itself; and you can access tons of other content from within the app.
They can reference teachers and other students, and it's likely that other users will know who they're talking about.
Because it's anonymous, teens can feel free to be totally candid.
Acknowledge that, chances are, they'll come across extreme, inappropriate, or hurtful content online …
and that it's OK for them to ask you about it, especially if it upsets them.
What parents need to know: not only because it's a bit of an all-in-one mobile hub but also because it offers a lot of of teen-friendly elements, such as a selection of over 10,000 stickers and wacky emoticons, as well as Line Play, an avatar-based social network.
The free texting and video calls don't hurt, either.
Teens may pay more attention to Snapchats that they receive, knowing they'll disappear in a matter of seconds.
What parents need to know: Christine Elgersma wrangles learning and social media app reviews and creates parent talks as Senior Editor, Parent Education.
Depending on what they want to say and to whom, teens choose the app that best fits their needs.