Snapchat Introduces “The Keys,” a Digital Safety Guide for Teens and Parents
The interactive program aims to spark conversations and build critical thinking around bullying, sextortion, and online risk
As teens spend increasing amounts of time on social platforms, the risks they face—ranging from cyberbullying to sextortion—have become harder for parents to ignore. In response, Snapchat has launched The Keys, a co-viewing guide designed to help teens and parents navigate digital safety together.
Addressing the Awareness Gap
Although there are several educational resources created for social media use, parents still feel that the internet is not safe for their teenage children, as they lack awareness. This is what led Snapchat to create its own guide in collaboration with Common Sense Media and Snapchat’s Digital Teen Council for Digital Well-Being.
Jacqueline Beauchere, Snap’s Global Head of Platform Safety, says of The Keys:
“We developed The Keys because we saw an opportunity in teen-focused digital safety education. This program goes beyond spreading awareness—it builds practical skills by tackling the most challenging situations teenagers could potentially face online. We hope The Keys will help provide teens with the critical thinking skills and confidence they need to safely navigate digital spaces.”
The Keys: A Safety Guide to Bridge Teens and Parents
The Keys is an interactive program where teens, with the supervision of their parents, can watch a series of videos on bullying, drugs, sextortion, and intimate images. The 45-minute program presents teens with situational scenarios and includes a short quiz to assess what they’ve learned afterward.
It’s divided into two sections. The first section, “Online Risk,” delivers bite-sized information on each topic. The second section is a tutorial on Snapchat’s features and reporting tools that teens can use.
Snapchat recommends that teens complete The Keys alongside a parent or guardian to strengthen communication around digital safety.
A Blueprint for Social Media Use
Although many online apps have rolled out their own step-by-step guides for children and teens, The Keys dives into issues that are sensitive for teens and parents. Completing The Keys together helps parents better understand what their teens are experiencing online.
The Keys is available on Snapchat’s website, giving families a valuable tool to start essential conversations about online safety.
More on social media safety
When Should Our Kids Have Social Media Accounts?
Hey Kids! Social Media Is A Big Responsibility
The Case for a Holistic Approach to Kids and Social Media
