Snapchat has launched a new digital literacy program, called “The Keys,” which aims to highlight the dangers of online interaction for young users, and better equip them with knowledge on how to protect themselves, and avoid problems in social apps.

Snapchat says that The Keys is a first-of-its-kind interactive online safety program specifically designed for teens and their parents. 

As explained by Snap:

“Developed in collaboration with Common Sense Media, informed by safety experts, and reviewed by members of Snap’s teen Council for Digital Well-Being, this program aims to educate teens about four key risks they may face online - bullying, illicit drug activity, nude and intimate images, and sextortion - and teaches platform-specific skills for helping to stay safe on Snapchat.”

Snapchat’s Council for Wellbeing is a group of young people, all aged 18 or under, who provide input into projects like this, giving Snap direct user perspective from the target audience.

Which should help Snap create more effective, responsive programs for its target audience.

The Keys program is split into two segments, with the first looking at online risks, and the second focused on Snap-specific functions that you can use to protect yourself the same. The full course, Snap says, takes around 45 minutes to complete.

“As teens navigate through the interface, they will watch videos, go through interactive reflections, and be presented with realistic scenarios to work through and learn from. The Keys offers practical advice on what to do when faced with a difficult situation and shares helpful resources on where to turn if they find themselves facing a potential threat to their safety or well-being.”

Snapchat also recommends that teens look to undertake the course with a parent to ensure that both parties are aware of the various safety elements and lessons.

Given the app’s popularity among younger audiences, and its propensity to be used for nefarious purpose, this is an important initiative for Snap, which could help to address at least some concerns around misuse of the app.

Indeed, just today, a Danish research organization has accused the app of allowing drug dealers to openly operate within the platform, providing young teens with direct access to drugs via Snap messages.

This has always been a concern, with Snap’s ephemeral content approach seemingly made for secret communications. That enables users to more freely share content that they probably shouldn’t, and Snap’s been working for years to try and counter this concern, with a range of safety tools and updates.

Like this latest initiative, though I don’t think it’ll have a huge impact in reducing those concerns, as they continue to come in.

But it could help to protect kids, and it could help Snap to defend itself against such accusations.

You can check out The Keys here.