Snapchat's new parental controls try to mimic real-life parenting, minus the hovering

Snapchat is rolling out new parental controls that allow parents to see their teenager's contacts and confidentially report to the social media company any accounts that concern them. A child lies in bed illuminated by the glow of a cell phone. (Elva Etienne/Getty Images)

Snapchat is rolling out parental controls that allow parents to see their teenager's contacts and report to the social media company — without their child's knowledge — any accounts that may worry them.

The goal, executives say, is to enable parents to monitor their child's connections without compromising teens' autonomy. Named Family Center, the new suite of tools released Tuesday requires both caregiver and teen to opt in.