Snap Inc. has launched “The Keys: A Guide to Digital Safety,” an interactive online safety program aimed at teenagers and their parents. The initiative comes as teens return to school and spend more time online, increasing their exposure to digital risks.
The program was developed in partnership with Common Sense Media, with input from safety experts and review by Snap’s teen Council for Digital Well-Being. It focuses on four main risks that teens may encounter online: bullying, illicit drug activity, nude and intimate images, and sextortion. The Keys also provides guidance specific to staying safe while using Snapchat.
“The Keys” takes inspiration from drivers education programs by combining classroom-style learning with practical scenarios. Teens learn how to identify potential dangers and practice responding to them through realistic situations presented within the program.
According to Snap Inc., many parents of teenagers in the United States remain concerned that their children lack the skills needed to safely use online platforms. There is a strong demand for interactive safety resources such as The Keys.
The 45-minute program is designed for flexible use, allowing participants to complete it in one sitting or over multiple sessions. Users engage with videos, interactive reflections, and scenario-based exercises intended to build practical digital safety skills. The program offers advice on handling challenging situations and directs users toward additional resources if they face threats to their safety or well-being.
The curriculum consists of two parts: one addresses general online risks across various platforms; the other provides a tutorial on Snapchat’s own safety features, privacy settings, and reporting tools.
