More people use social networking websites now than ever before. Facebook alone currently has 900 million active users every month and – whether it is connecting with school friends or chatting online – their members are getting younger.
Facebook’s Terms of Service states that users must be over the age of 13 in order to use the website. However, it has been reported that millions of the website’s users fall under this minimum age range.
Regardless of their age, it is important to teach young people how to conduct themselves safely and responsibly online.
The first and most basic advice to give to your child is not add or accept friend requests from people they do not know. Even if they claim to know their friends or parents, people may not always be who they say they are.
It is also wise to change the privacy setting of their Facebook account. By doing this, they can alter who can and who can’t see their profile, personal information and pictures. It is important that kids know never to post information such as their birthday, address, the name of the school they go to or their phone number on Facebook. It is easy to forget how many people use Facebook and how quickly photos and information can be passed along over the internet. The best way for them to decide whether or not to post a picture or a message is to first think whether they would want their parents or teachers to see it. Once something is posted on the internet there is no way to retrieve it – even after it has been deleted.
Modern technology and social networking websites, such as Facebook, has given way to a new type of bullying; cyber bullying. This is most commonly experienced at the hands of people the victim may know. If your child gets unwanted, inappropriate or unkind messages from anybody, regardless of whether they know them or not, there are steps they can take to report and prevent it. Facebook, as do many other social networking websites, have a “block” and “report” feature. This means the other person will no longer be able to contact them and their messages and profile will be investigated by the website. It is also important to let them know they must tell someone – such as a parent or teacher – if they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable and to keep a record of the incidents.
As well as teaching them to be cautious of bullying, it is important to also teach them appropriate behavior online. Sometimes retaliating to offensive messages can make the problem worse and should be ignored instead. The impersonal nature of social networking websites can sometimes lead us to say things to other people we would not otherwise say. Remind your child not to say something online that they would not say face to face with another person.
Providing your kids with Facebook tips and advice about online safety is important and allows the internet to be a safe, fun place.