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Disclaimer: When I first wrote this article I was naive to the strong negative opinions some parents and church leaders have against Snapchat. I hope to get all your concerns recorded so we only offer the best guidance on Leading Saints. Until we do so, please read the following article with an open mind and know that the author is not trying to recommend anything that would harm youth or put them in inappropriate situations. It should also be noted that the LDS Church recently created a Snapchat account and is doing a great job connecting with youth through this popular social media platform. You can follow the Church @ldschurch on Snapchat. You have seen the youth in your Sunday class giggle as they all take a silly group selfie on Snapchat. You allowed such silly behavior before the lesson starts, but you never considered participating. Snapchat appeared immature and only for the youth. Well, times are changing. Now is the day that you, as a LDS youth leader, need to be on Snapchat. I know, you never anticipated this day to come, but it’s no longer an option. If you really want to connect and form bonds with your youth, they need to see you on Snapchat. Here are 6 reasons why…
1. It’s Not What You Think It Is
Early on, Snapchat earned the stigma of being a naughty app. Pictures shown on Snapchat disappear after viewing them, which led to the idea it was perfect for sexting and trading inappropriate pictures. This was the practice of some users but it is definitely not allowed on the platform. About 1% of photos shared on Snapchat are sexually explicit and they won’t randomly show up in your account unless you voluntarily connect with Snapchatter that do so. It is against the terms and conditions of Snapchat to post “content that contain pornography, graphic violence, threats, hate speech, or incitement to violence.” (Snapchat Terms) This content should be reported and the account producing inappropriate content will be suspended. So, no, it isn’t an evil app, but it can be used for evil just as much as other popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google.
2. Youth Are Fleeing Facebook
Adult leaders probably feel pretty hip now that they have their own Facebook account. Sorry to tell you this, but that was totally last decade! Facebook has a problem, and they know it. The youth are bored with Facebook and many don’t even bother to check their feed regularly. Apps like Snapchat provide a more dynamic experience that appeals to the youth. So if you only have a Facebook account to stay in touch with your youth, it might be time to join the world of 2016.
3. It Humanizes You As a Leader
A recent University of Michigan study revealed that Snapchat brings more happiness than Facebook. Facebook is built on idealism. Don’t we all have those friends on Facebook that appear to always be on vacation or finishing their third marathon of the week? That’s because people only put their best of the best on Facebook. The way that Snapchat is set up causes people to be real. You can only view the photos and messages shared in the last 24 hours on Snapchat. S0, you get what you get. No constant bragging about your trip to Europe that you took 6 months ago. By participating in Snapchat you show your youth the real day-to-day of your life. Sitting at work. Watching your kid play soccer. By the next time you see each other they will have various clips of your life and see that you are normal, but still worth looking up to. They need to see your example through their own perspectives. This also gives you a chance to share the spiritual moments of your life. A quick 10-second testimony in front of the temple as you leave an early morning session will remind your youth how important the temple is to you.
4. Snapchat Opens a Door into the Youth’s Day-to-day Life
Once you are signed up and logged onto Snapchat, the best thing to do this Sunday is ask them to invite you into their Snapchat world. Nothing will engage your Sunday class more than turning the tables on teaching and asking all of them to walk you through the in’s and out’s of Snapchat. Allow them to show you how to use it, and most importantly, how to connect with them. They will love you for it.
5. Youth Like That Leaders Text, But Would Love It If They Snapped
Many times youth are also using Snapchat in lieu of texting. So when you need to remind them of an upcoming activity, or send them a “we miss you” message when they are sick. Send them a personal message on Snapchat and they will never forget it.
6. It Makes You a Leader That Validates Their Interests (and don’t worry, it’s fun)
A large part of leadership is validating the life of those that follow you. By showing interest in things they love, it builds trust. By connecting with them the way they want to be connected with may just lead them to sharing their personal struggles with you, and to lean on you when times are tough. Luckily, Snapchat is pretty fun to use once you get the hang of it. Your experience leading the youth is headed to new levels of enjoyment. Oh… and you should start following Leading Saints on Snapchat (leadinglds). I’ll be using it to not only talk about inspirations of Church leadership, but I’ll be giving examples about how youth leaders can use Snapchat as a relationship building tool with your youth. Do connect. 
Podcast Episode
For more information about using Snapchat listen to the attached podcast episode. In this episodes we talk with John Huntinghouse of LDS Smile who is using Snapchat to inspire LDS youth around the world. Follow LDS Smile on Snapchat see how he does it. He talks about why Snapchat is appealing to youth in the Church and how LDS youth leaders can begin to connect with youth through this fun app.
Links
Sexting aside, Snapchat’s very temporary content leads to nothing of value being posted. In other words, Snapchat is used for frivolity and as a means to distract oneself from boredom. Yet, it also becomes quite addictive since the content will disappear. So, Snapchat is an addictive app involving low-value content.
For those reasons alone I have prohibited the children living in my home from using Snapchat. (That it keeps them away from the sexting aspects of Snapchat is a plus.) I’ve asked them to do better things (things with long-term value) with their time. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all require social accountability, and I believe that’s far more valuable than the social frivolity produced by Snapchat.
As a youth leader I completely agree that it is important to develop trust with those whom we serve and teach. I agree that they should come to view us as personable, approachable, and sincere. However, I also believe that as a teacher or leader we must also strive to earn their respect. Sometimes when we become overly concerned with becoming their pal we lose the ability to hold their respect because they often see those two as opposites.
I would strongly encourage youth leaders and parents to think twice about the advice given in this article.
Odds are your children are using it and you don’t know it. I’m a high school teacher and I’ve seen LDS kids who weren’t allowed to have a smart phone get a burner smart phone and hide it from their parents. Snapchat is not the enemy. Lack of teaching children appropriate online behavior is the problem.
I absolutely agree! 100% Thank you for your comment! Perfectly stated!
http://protectyoungminds.org/2014/11/13/snapchat-sexting-and-photo-hacking-how-to-protect-your-childs-digital-footprint/
Thanks for sharing this. Seems like great guidance.
This is a needed article Kurt. Nice job. Most adults had the same reaction toward Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter but the youth are definitely on Snapchat and if we want to reach them and identify with them, we’ve got to go there… 🙂
Having dealt with many adult leaders who are also addicts, the last thing I want is for an adult leader to be able to send my son pictures that disappear. There is so much room for abuse to happen here, without any way of policing it. Really, there are other means of connecting with youth
Carol, I understand your concern, but why would Snapchat be any more riskier for this to happen than with Facebook? If this ever happened your son could easily take a screen capture of the image and report it to an adult.
Exactly!
I’m a YW pres and a mom. I have been using snapchat for awhile now. It’s been a effective tool. I snap reminders, inspirational quotes and silly life events. It’s a balancing act though. I try not to overwhelm them with my “old people” things. lol I monitor my daughters snap chats and friends, as with all of their social media accounts. Good luck and happy snaps!
Great episode, I agree there are many unfounded fears and rumors using this app. Leaders who want to influence the lives of others in church and family capacities will download Snapchat and give it a try, if only to see what it is all about.
There are also lots and lots of youth on Instagram–if you aren’t comfortable with Snapchat, your youth would think you pretty cool if you have an Instagram!
I respectfully disagree with this article. As a youth myself, the last thing I would want is my church leader connected to my Snapchat account. And I certainly wouldn’t want them to send me anything.
It was mentioned in a previous comment, but adults these days are so caught up in trying to be our best friends. I really find great respect in those adults who don’t try and be all “hip and cool.”
I’m slightly bothered this article said that it’s no longer an option for leaders to not have a Smapchat. It absolutely is! The leaders I remember most aren’t the ones who got to know me through social media- that’s easy, anyone can do that.
I remember those leaders who would call me, visit me, and get to know me by talking with me personally. I feel like using Snapchat to get to know your students better is a cop out and a cheap way to get to know someone. What happened to actual human connection?
-As a youth, I would find if my teacher asked for my Snapchat info, that would be immensely creepy and I would bs hesitant. No, youth would not love it.