Snapchat is a popular app used by teens to "chat" with their friends by sending photos and short videos that automatically "self-destruct" after a few seconds.

The new feature has raised concerns among safety experts who fear it could be used to stalk or bully others, and police have warned parents to turn off "Snap Maps" on their children's phones.

According to Larry Magid, the CEO of ConnectSafely.org, " Parents need to sit down with their kids and get them to really consider which friends they are sharing with."

Parents can turn the feature off by setting the app to "ghost mode".

If your teen is already using this feature, have a discussion about the negative consequences that could arise from sharing his or her location with the wrong people.

Sometimes friends can become ex-friends so it's important for teens to review their Snapchat friends list periodically to make sure that if they do decide to use the Snap Map feature, only close friends and family can see their location.

For more information

• Parental Control Tools
• A Parent's Guide to Mobile Phones
• Internet Safety - ACPeds Handout

It is estimated that between 10 and 20% of U.S. children reside in stepfamilies with about 9,100 new American stepfamilies created each week.

While research indicates that adults whose parents separate during childhood have an increased risk for poorer health, studies also show that children of divorce tend to do well if mothers and fathers, regardless of remarriage, resume parenting roles, put differences aside, and allow the children continue relationships with both parents.

Tips to ensure positive health outcomes for children after experiencing divorce:

Have realistic expectations about how quickly your blended family will bond and find harmony. The average stepfamily needs between 5-7 years to form a family identity. Be patient with yourself, your marriage, and the children as family members find their fit.

Have an "all-in" commitment attitude for making your new marriage successful and balance nurturing your marriage with a strong commitment of time and energy to your children.

Work together as a parental team and be proactive. Don't wait until problems occur to discuss behavioral expectations, methods of punishment, consequences to be enforced, and the values you wish to instill in the children.

Help your children work through their difficult emotions.  Common difficult emotions for children in stepfamilies are grief, anger, separation, loss, disappointment, rejection, and feelings of uprootedness. 

These emotions from the past must be dealt with so that children can grow to trust and move on.

Strive towards good communication with your ex-spouse. Good cooperation between households typically results in well-disciplined and better adjusted children.

For more information