ABC news recently reported that 5% of children under the age of two now have a Facebook page. There are also documented pages for unborn children created by their parents. A playful way for parents to keep friends and family up to date on pregnancy and toddler news or an invitation to trouble?
"According to recent polls, over 7.5 million American kids are under age 13 have Facebook pages, and over five million are under age ten. The New York Times reported in March of this year that 3.6 million of Facebook's 153 million monthly visitors in the U.S. are under 12."
Minors of all ages are all over the pages of this world dominating social network. They are exposed to fun games and tons of harmless fun as well as adult level conversations, posts and jokes. Are minor children capable of handling the social situations and dangers present on social networking sites?
Social networking is here to stay. Many parents are in denial or due to lack of know how are not actively participating in their kids internet usage. Kids are going to make mistakes and it is the responsibility of the adults in a household to monitor the internet use in their home.
At what age do you think social networking is appropriate?
Do you have minor children on Facebook?
Do you monitor their internet activity, social networking related or otherwise?
Editor's Note: Facebook's Official Policy:
http://www.facebook.com/policy.php
"If you are under 13, please do not attempt to register for Facebook or send any information about yourself to us, including your name, address, telephone number, or email address. No one under age 13 may provide any personal information to or on Facebook. In the event that we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 13 without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. If you believe that we might have any information from or about a child under 13, please contact us at info@facebook.com "
Facebook adds:
"We recommend that minors over the age of 13 ask their parents for permission before sending any information about themselves to anyone over the Internet."
Wow! thats a little disturbing to hear. When is not acceptable for kids to be kids why MUST they be plugged in 24/7. Its sad no wonder groups like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts . 4-h groups are suffering.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Mom of three only my oldest is social networking and yes I monitor (probably more then he likes .. but oh well so sad too bad). He is older then 13 by the way , his sibling ask when can I all the time but I say show me how mature are you can't even keep your room clean or remember to do this or that.
Patty is SO right! Kids need to be interacting socially IN PERSON, not on a computer. I think we expose our kids to too much too soon when we allow them access to have MySpace, Facebook or other internet access. I know it's a pain to always be ther to supervise, but NO kid should be on a computer without an adult at his or her side!
ReplyDeleteboth girls have facebook pages. They have a mother who broke the "rules" for them to get the pages. They are monitored like a hawk when online...but truth is - they begged and begged and begged - but they are NEVER on facebook! Very similar to the cellphones they needed :) GO AHEAD - TELL ME HOW BAD OF A MOTHER I AM <3
ReplyDeleteUGGHHHH ----- ENOUGH ALREADY WITH THE ELECTRONICS! Get these kids outside and teach them sports, nature, grow a garden for CHRIST SAKE!!!! Hey, I understand if it's winter and your snowed in but come on people, when we were young we never had any of this and we were much better off.
ReplyDeleteNatalie.. couldn't agree with your more. Summer mean't fun in the sun no hiding in the house playing video games and skyping. If you want to see your friends actually go over to the house (more often then not they live in the same neighborhood..geesh). This kids today complain they have nothing to do its live their imagination just evaporated. Really all those years without electronics you seem more happy then when your plugged in its way to early in life to be caught in the virtual world of stress and drama bad enough most adults are (myself included in that part).
ReplyDeleteAs for Dawn sorry dear not going tell you your Bad but FAB (like FABULOUS instead):)
Agreed, Natalie! Well said! I am a MEANIE MOMMY - no facebook or cell phone here..... (yet I know the day will come)!
ReplyDeleteLet’s take a step back, deep breath and put this in perspective. I can only comment on two kids, mine. But reality check, are your kids on 24/7? Think about it then ask yourself -- the average kid like mine are they really on 24/7? Let’s keep things in perspective and not fall for the sensational writing that gets you to pick up that magazine or navigate to the blog site. I know my kids aren’t, they don’t have time unless the days have become 48 hours long, between school, homework, studying, girl scouts, volunteering and doing chores they get limited time. That time then has to be shared between the video console, computer and television. I think what we should be worried about more is the example we are giving our children. Remember they emulate what they see. Moms are you on Facebook checking it daily, hourly? Is it an app on your smart phone? Do you spend time with your head down looking at a 3 x3 screen? Dads are you on your blackberry checking the scores or reading the newspaper instead of sitting in the family room reading the paper? What kind of examples are we being for our kids? Are we going out to play, socializing with friends or spending time with our family? Facebook has just replaced the phone; remember spending hours and hours on the phone chatting with your friends about your daily activities even after just leaving them a few seconds before. Remember the exasperated look on your parents face as they heard the cha-ching of the phone bill. Every generation has its vice and every generation has its nay-sayers. When it comes down to it, what is the real question? For me, “Am I doing the best for my kids and am I being the best example for my kids? Right now, the answer for me is yes, ask me in a few days that may change.
ReplyDeleteMy five cents worth. Sorry don’t mean to nickel and dime ya.
Well said, Jessica!
ReplyDelete