Leigh Bates

Making friends sounds simple. But for a lot of kids? It’s one of the hardest parts of the school year. Especially in September, when: Social groups are forming Kids are figuring out where they fit Confidence is still building And as a parent, it can be hard to watch.

September is when it really hits. The excitement of back-to-school starts to wear off… and the reality sets in. New routines. New expectations. New social dynamics. And for a lot of kids? A spike in anxiety. If your child is suddenly more emotional, resistant, or overwhelmed—you’re not doing anything wrong. This is actually very common.

Snapchat is one of the most popular apps among teens. And on the surface, it seems harmless: Messages disappear It’s “just for friends” It feels more private than other platforms But here’s the reality: Snapchat can create a false sense of safety—both for teens and for parents. And that’s where the risk comes in.