Citizen Journalism

Did you hear about the cat that robbed the bank? It was all over the Internet today so it must be true right? This is why you have to be extra careful when reading the news in this age of social media. It lets anyone in the world with something as small as a smart phone be a journalist.

I personally think it has interfered with the quality of news and information published, but if you are smart about where you choose to get your news and information from you have a good chance of reading the truth.

I find a lot of people like to read gossip stories and think of that as news. People have become desensitised to graphic or hurtful content and it reflects on society.

There are millions of news stories and  information posted online than ever before but that does not mean they are quality ones. I even find there are so many spelling mistakes in major news papers as if the reporters are not proof reading their own articles but just pumping out as many stories as they can that don't inform us as they should on the subject.

I feel that soon a large amount of people won't read or watch the news but use social media outlets to hear quick clips of news and not the full stories.

Facebook for Children

I know I know, that is a baby on the left but they soon grow up and become social media experts in the blink of the eye.

I only actually realized Facebook was banned for children 13 and under about a year ago, as it seemed everyone and his dog had a Facebook page. I chose to do my blog assignment on Facebook for Children as I really can’t decide if I think they should have access or not, but hopefully by the end of this blog I will have a better idea.

It is kind of funny reading that Sesame street, SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Charlie Brown, Barbie and Bratz Girls to name a few, have massive Facebook followings, but how can this be if children 13 and under can’t sign up for an account? I know there are lots of strange people out there but even so!

The main reason children are banned is that Facebook has to comply with COPPA [1] but they are now looking into ways of allowing them to safely use Facebook with the consent and help from their parents.

Social Media is now part of our culture and there is no going back. We can either allow Facebook for children by making it safe, or we can ban it and hold the parents responsible if their children are able to sign up. There are many excellent social media sites for children [2] and great Online Safety Tips for Kids. [3]



Even though there are some excellent social media sites for children they want to feel grown up and do what everyone else is doing, including their own parents.  It’s like telling your child not to smoke or drink, some of them just have to try it. While reading different online articles it seems that Facebook is sometimes used to babysit children and keep them entertained. Parents know their children have lied about their birthdays but don’t seem to be concerned.  Part of me feels that soon you won’t see children playing outside anymore, kind of like how strange I find it that you never see old people outside in Canada… that’s another blog altogether though.

Maybe allowing children on Facebook is the way to go but their parents need to be held more responsible for their children’s actions.  "It has been estimated that 7.5 million children under the age of 13 are already using social networks" [4] If so many are already signed up then maybe it is time to change the rules and have them sign up legally and safely.

I think it is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children how to use social media and technology wisely and safely. Communication is the key here. Parents should have daily talks with their children and take an interest in what they are up to online. No secret passwords until the child is old enough to be independent and trusted.  Facebook and the word bully seem to go hand in hand these days. If you are not openly talking with your children about what they are doing online then don't expect them to feel comfortable coming to you for help dealing with an online bully. 

I guess after reading articles and typing my blog I have come to the conclusion Facebook is not evil for children and Facebook are not out to make money off of them. It comes down to the legalities of it all and how the children are allowed to use it. I think Facebook will probably have the children's accounts setup via their parents accounts so that there is parental consent used.  Facebook are able to block inappropriate links, sites, feeds, pictures etc from reaching children under 13, so I think going forward we will soon see it opened up to all ages.

Last but not least here is an interesting podcast from Stephen Balkam talking about "Allowing Tweens On Facebook: There's Much To Like" [5]

Sources

1.   Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
      http://www.coppa.org/comply.htm

2.   Social Media Sites for Children
      http://mashable.com/2010/10/11/social-networks- children/

3.   Online Safety Tips for Children
      http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/

4.   It has been estimated that 7.5 million children under the age of 13 are already using social networks
      http://www.vancouversun.com/business/technology/Facebook+toying+with+opening+site+kids+under/6732002/story.html

5.   Podcast from Stephen Balkam talking about “Allowing Tween On Facebook” There’s Much To Like"
      http://www.npr.org/2012/06/11/154773999/how-to-help-your-tween-use-facebook-safely