This week on Facebook, there were several posts about door to door salespeople in the Tri-State area who “may be” child predators. These unconfirmed reports put parents on high alert! Yet, many parents allow their children unlimited access to social websites and do not monitor their use, though the number of child predators is exponentially higher! In fact, some parents ignore the age limit of 13 years old as specified by Facebook, and allow their children to create a profile on the social media site. But is Facebook for kids really safe?
Should I let my kids make a Facebook profile?
If your kids are 13 or older, it is up to you whether or not they should be allowed to make a profile. Before allowing this to happen, it is important to make rules for use on Facebook. Here are some things you should consider.
- Explain to your children why it’s important to not share personal information with strangers online.
- Monitor their internet activity.
- Make sure they are not posting information that can identify where they live. This includes their address and what school they go to.
- Ensure they are using Facebook’s privacy settings so only people they know have access to their information.
- Make sure your kids understand that once they post photos on the web, they lose control of them. Approve any photos before they can post them.
- Know who they are talking to online.
- Talk to your children so they feel comfortable coming to you if anything makes them feel uncomfortable. This includes online bullying and unwanted messages from adults.
- Make sure they post their real age, as Facebook has stricter settings for younger individuals.
- Help them make their profile and consider using your email when signing up. This will allow you to see who is adding them and what kind of stuff is being posted on their walls.
- Report any misconduct to the authorities and Facebook.
- Make sure they ask you before giving out any personal information, or meeting anyone in person.
- Make sure they are only adding people they actually know in person.
- Make your own profile and “friend” them so you can see their post.
- Explain to them when a comment or page is inappropriate to like.
Important statistics
There are serious dangers lurking on Facebook for kids and other social media sites, especially for children. Many sites entice kids in by using silly quizzes and games. These sites are known for asking users personal questions such as age, gender, and interests. This information, makes it easier for predators to gain trust of our kids.
One survey done on children age 12-17 revealed that 46% had at one time given out personal information to individuals they didn’t know. As they get older, the chance of a kid giving out personal information increases.
Monitor their use
It is important to monitor what you kids are doing on Facebook. Most homes not only have laptops and personal computers, but many kids now also have access to their own smart phone. This means they can use Facebook from anywhere. Keep track of the things they are doing on their phone. This is also true when they are home alone and have access to these sites.
So, when is Facebook for kids safe? Only you can decide. There are serious risks to letting a younger individual on social media. Stay involved and aware of their actives on the internet. By setting rules and enforcing them you can ensure your kids are playing it safe on Facebook and other social media sites. Have an open conversation with your kids and let them know that if anything happens on Facebook that is upsetting or makes them uncomfortable, to come show you.
