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Snap Inc. has announced updates to its Family Centre, bringing new location-sharing features to Snapchat’s in-app hub, which offers parental tools and resources for safer connections.
Snapchat has one of the most widely used maps on mobile. Over 350 million people use Snap Map each month to share their location with friends and family. Users rely on it to find nearby places, stay connected, and explore the world through shared Snaps. Now, new location-sharing features in Family Centre aim to make it simpler for families to stay informed about each other’s whereabouts.
Ben Au, Public Policy Lead for Australia and New Zealand at Snap Inc., said, “Snapchat is designed differently from more traditional social media – it’s a place for real-life friendships. We’ve always had extra protections for teens, but there is no finish line when it comes to safety. We’re committed to making Snapchat an even more fun and safe place for people to connect, and we’re pleased to introduce these new features to our Family Centre parental tools to help our community do just that.”
Share Location Through Family Centre
A new feature in Family Centre allows parents and caregivers to request a live location share from their teen. This new button simplifies sharing requests, letting parents easily request location updates. Once the family member consents, location details can be shared back and forth, helping everyone stay on the same page.
Enhanced Settings Visibility
Family Centre already provides parents with visibility into some of their teen’s privacy and safety settings. Soon, parents will also see location-sharing choices, giving them an understanding of who their teens share location details with on Snap Map. This transparency is designed to support family discussions around privacy preferences and safety.
Travel Notifications
Snapchat is introducing travel notifications in Family Centre. Families will be able to select up to three specific locations, such as home, school, or a local gym. Parents can receive alerts when family members arrive at or leave these designated locations. This feature, rolling out soon, is intended to provide peace of mind, helping parents know their teens have arrived safely at school or returned home after a night out.
Safety Reminders for Location Sharing
Snapchat continues to keep location sharing off by default, with no option to share with non-friends. For those who choose to share with all friends, Snapchat is introducing new in-app reminders. These reminders will prompt users to review their sharing settings, especially when adding new friends who may be outside their close social circles.
Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by Nick Ross
