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!
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
http://www.coppa.org/comply.htm
2. Social Media Sites for Children
http://mashable.com/2010/10/11/social-networks- 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/
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
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
http://www.npr.org/2012/06/11/154773999/how-to-help-your-tween-use-facebook-safely
Hi Sylvia-I enjoyed reading your blog. I agree that open communication with your children is key. One point though I do disagree with is your statement that Facebook is not out to make money. They absolutely are. That's why they are now a publicly-traded company and why they introduced advertising to their platform. Every business is about making money and I think that if they allow Facebook to open up to children under 13, they will find a way to make money off of this too. Possibly by advertising sites for children's shows, foods, etc. I believe the only reason they are considering opening it up to this age group is because they see huge dollar signs.
ReplyDeleteHi Sylvia. Great blog. I can't believe there are 7.5 million children under the age of 13 using facebook! That is crazy. I agree that children need to be outside enjoying the world more than being online. I diagree however and think that facebook should stay for anyone over the age of 13, the scuttle pad site looks more age approperiate. To help me come up to this conclusion I used the site http://theonlinemom.com/secondary.asp?id=1275.
ReplyDeleteRenee
Hi Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great, i totally agree with you. Parent should be held responsible, and yes parents should know their passwords until they are resposible. Although i think children should not use social media sites if they are under 13. They're to young to know exactly what there doing and what to copy or what not to copy on others pages.
Lianne