Snapchat Tightens Content Sharing Rules for Users Under 16
News Desk
12 June 2026, 11:13
Snapchat is introducing new restrictions for users under 16 as part of its ongoing efforts to improve online safety for teenagers.
Under the updated rules, users aged 13 to 15 will only be able to share Spotlight posts with friends they mutually follow. The change is designed to reduce privacy risks and help protect younger users from unwanted attention or potential doxxing. According to Snap, users under 16 will also receive a separate profile experience for Stories and Spotlight content. Their posts will not display engagement metrics such as favorite counts, reducing pressure related to likes and popularity.
Previously, Snapchat allowed users in this age group to share Spotlight posts publicly. However, those posts were not linked to their profiles, preventing direct contact from other users.
Additional Controls for Teen Accounts
Snapchat is also maintaining restrictions for older teenage users. Those aged 16 to 18 can continue sharing Spotlight posts publicly, but their content visibility will be limited to friends, followers, and users with mutual connections. The company is expanding parental oversight as well. Through Snapchat's Family Center, parents can view how much time their children spend using features such as Stories and Spotlight.
Snap already restricts communication between teenagers and strangers. The platform blocks unsolicited friend requests and messages from unknown users. It also displays warning messages when teens begin conversations with unfamiliar accounts and limits the type of content available to younger audiences.
Part of a Broader Industry Trend
The move follows similar efforts by social media platforms to strengthen protections for teenagers. Companies, including Instagram, have introduced specialized account settings and additional safety measures for younger users in recent years.
The announcement also comes as Snap continues to face scrutiny over the impact of social media on young users. Earlier this year, the company settled a lawsuit related to social media addiction and remains involved in other similar legal cases across the United States.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said Snapchat has a positive effect on users because it focuses on connecting people with their friends. He argued that the platform should not be viewed in the same way as some other social media services.
