KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 24 theconnectionsnj.com Performing Arts School Music Around the World NEW! Meet the Instruments Piano Explorers Violin Explorers NEW! Broadway Adventures Theater Explorers Drama Kids Triple Threat Musical Theater Intensive Summer Musical Theater Company Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Enroll at WhartonArts.org Call (908) 790-0700for information SUMMER CAMP 2025 Mention This Ad for $25 Off New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestral Camp String Session Wind/Brass/Percussion Session Chamber Music Camp Double Reed Camp *For new student families only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid through April 1, 2025. * napchat is the app that teens love and parents struggle to understand. It’s fun, goofy, and a big part of our daily lives. Like all social media, though, it comes with risks. Let’s dive into what makes Snapchat cool, the dangers you should know about, and tips to stay safe while keeping your Snap streaks alive. What’s the Hype? Snapchat isn’t like Facebook (thankfully). It’s about sending goofy pictures that disappear in 24 hours. Add some filters, crazy lenses, effects, and boom – you’ve got a Snap. It’s simple, fun, and fleeting. Plus, there’s Snapstreaks (daily Snaps with friends) and Snapmap (real-time location sharing), which makes you feel super connected. It is not all sunshine and rainbow filters, though. While the photos disappear, the risks don’t. What You Should Know 1. Screenshots Are Forever Snap says your photos vanish, but if someone screenshot them, they’re saved. Sure, you get notified, but then what? That photo could be shared, edited, or used in ways you didn’t expect. Yes, there IS software that takes screenshots secretly. 2. Stranger Danger Random friend requests? No thanks! Some accounts might be fake or hacked, leading to creepy messages, spam, or worse. Always know who is Snapping with you. 3. Snapmap Oversharing Snapmap shows where you are in real time. This is cool when you’re meeting up with friends, but risky if someone hacks your account or if the wrong person is watching. Pro tip: Use Ghost Mode to keep your location private. 4. Data Collection Snapchat collects info about you, from what you like to where you’ve been. That’s shared with advertisers and even third parties. Keep this in mind every time you Snap. How to Snap Safely Here’s how to keep the fun and ditch the drama: • Be Honest About Your Age Snapchat has a minimum age of 13, but realistically, it’s better for older teens. Don’t lie about your age – it helps filter ads and limits creepy content. • Control Your Settings Adjust your privacy settings so only friends can see your Snaps and stories. Turn off location sharing or use Ghost Mode to keep your Snapmap safe. • Think Before You Send Once you hit send, it’s out there. Even if it disappears in 24 hours, someone could screenshot it or misuse it. If it’s not something you’d share IRL, don’t Snap it. • Don’t Add Random People Treat Snap like real life – don’t talk to strangers. Adding random users can lead to spam, inappropriate messages, or worse. • Involve Your Parents (Sometimes) Yeah, I know – cringe. But sit down with them to set up your privacy settings. After that, you’re free to roll your eyes and walk away when they ask how to add a filter. Bottom Line Snapchat is all about fun and connection, but it’s up to you to stay safe. Use it wisely, protect your info, and keep your Snapping drama-free. Stay safe, and happy Snapping! TEEN VOICE Cyber Awareness: Staying Safe While Snapping By Adithya Bharath S
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