Schools issue Snapchat Map warning

[stu007]

Schools issue Snapchat Map warning

 

Schools are warning parents that a new location-sharing feature in Snapchat could put children at risk.

 

Snap Map lets users share their exact location with people on their "friends" list in real time.

 

In a letter seen by the BBC, one school said the map raised "serious safeguarding concerns" because children could be tracked on the map.

 

But Snap, the company behind Snapchat, says the feature is opt-in and can be switched off at any time.

 

READ MORE HERE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-40509281

[tobyjugg2]

I remember my daughter and her friends chatting online with unknown males asking where they went to school.

 

I posted a line saying 'I'm their dad and I've logged all your ip's and am tracking where you live'

The look on the girls faces when half of the 'boys' in that chatroom vanished.

 

Spent a few minutes pointing out that they should not be afraid of making new acquaintances and people from anywhere in the world, but should be very very careful of letting strangers know where they can be found away from adult protection - like walking to school.

 

Its a difficult balance between encouraging independence and free thinking and keeping them safe.