Facebook Privacy & Kids' Safety
With more and more of their classmates getting Facebook accounts, your kids may be clamoring to do the same. But just how safe is the social networking site for youngsters? Creating and maintaining friendships online is part of our modern world, and can be a positive experience for your child. However, being online definitely has its risks. Before you allow your kid to use Facebook, there are several points to consider.
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Age Restrictions
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Facebook's official policy is that no kids under the age of 13 may create an account. Though Facebook has no way to verify the age of a user, it takes this requirement seriously. If a user is reported as being under 13, his account will be deleted. The age requirement should give you a good idea as to how appropriate the site is for younger kids to use. Facebook will not grant anyone -- even parents or legal guardians -- access to any account created by a child who meets the age requirement, due to privacy laws.
Become Facebook Savvy
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Just as you might read a book or watch a movie to determine whether it's appropriate for your child, familiarize yourself with how to use Facebook. Even if you never plan on using the site yourself, setting up a test account and learning about the privacy settings can help you to better instruct your child. Some parents may choose to become their child's friend on Facebook, in order to keep an eye on her online activities. Parents who choose to give their children more privacy should still learn all they can about how the site works.
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Internet Safety Basics
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Before allowing your child to use Facebook or any other online social networking site, sit him down for a talk about Internet safety. Make sure he knows never to share his password, home address, school name or other personal information, even with somebody who claims to work for Facebook. Teach him how to block people who are bullying him and how to report anyone who sends inappropriate content. Show him how to set up his privacy settings to allow only trusted friends to see his pictures and wall posts.
Smart Usage Habits
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According to the FBI, keeping your child offline at night can help to keep her safer from online predators. For children right around the Facebook age limit, it may be a good idea to only allow them Internet access in a shared space in your home, such as the living room. Older teens who have a computer in their own room still should be checked on. Ask your child about her Facebook friends, just as you would ask about her offline friends.
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References
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