New Snapchat features rolled out for teens- connecting with minors turns tougher

It has been announced that new Snapchat features have been rolled out expressly meant for teens aged between 13 and 17 years.

Snapchat safety features are meant to protect teens. Here is what you need to know. (Reuters)

Like several other social networking applications, now Snapchat has come up with new safety features for teens. Social networking apps like Snapchat, Instagram, among others are most widely being used by teenagers and youngsters all over the world. In order to make their experience and usage of the application safe and secure, Snapchat is introducing new safety features that will limit the friend suggestions teens get. The application has recently added a new safeguard to Quick Add, its friend suggestion feature, to further protect 13 to 17 year olds.

Informing about the same, Snapchat in a blog post said, "As a platform built for close friends, we designed Snapchat to make it difficult for strangers to find and connect with minors. For example, Snapchatters cannot see each other's friend lists, we don't allow browsable public profiles for anyone under 18 and, by default, you cannot receive a message from someone who isn't already your friend."

"We want to do everything we can to keep minors from being discovered on Snapchat by people who may be engaging in illegal or harmful behavior," it added. It can be noted that Snapchat has been combating drug problems and is trying to stop the spread of drugs related content on its platform.

Talking about the Quick Add feature, Snapchat informed that in order to be discoverable in Quick Add by someone else, users under 18 will need to have a certain number of friends in common with that person further ensuring it is a friend they know in real life.

Snapchat is also working on new parental tools which will give parents more insight into who their teens are talking to on the application, while still respecting their privacy. However, not much details have been shared yet.

To fight with the drug related issues, the application has also partnered with Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), a nonprofit organization that is committed to creating safe, healthy and drug-free communities; and Truth Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to achieving a culture where all young people reject smoking, vaping and nicotine.

Snapchat also shared updates on the progress it has made in detecting drug-related content and shutting down dealers over the past year in the blog post.