The statistics dont lie: Chances are, your kid is on Facebook. Pew International reports that 82 percent of kids ages 14-17 in the U.S. had profiles in 2009, as did 55 percent of 12- and 13-year-olds. But Ann Marie Brucia wants to make clear that this is not a bad thing -- as long as you know how to use the social networking site safely.
Ann Marie has volunteered to give a four-part series of classes on social media for parents. At the second installment Monday night, the focus was on how a parent can get acclimated to Facebook, and how to best handle your kids on the site.
Its important to know where kids are online, Ann Marie says. Its as important as knowing where they are in the physical world.
Here are a few tips from Ann Marie for parents signing up for accounts, or with kids who already have them:
? Act your age. When you sign up for an account, Facebook asks for an actual date of birth, and Ann Marie stresses that you shouldnt lie. The site prevents any child under 13 from signing up, and has automatically added unchangeable privacy settings for kids under 18.
But once your profile is done, she doesnt recommend displaying a full birthday, either. Many identity thieves only need a full name and birthday to access other important information online.
? Change your privacy settings. Facebooks default settings display all your information to everyone who wants it. Ann Marie recommends changing the setting to Friends Only for both you and your kids. She also suggests ensuring that Facebook ads are blocked from using your information. A free guide on using these features is available through ConnectSafely.org.
? Think before you post. This rule also applies to both you and your kids. Ann Marie stresses that Facebook statuses, photos and videos are permanent and public. So its important to remind your kids to watch what they post -- even with the right privacy settings, there might be some information you dont want broadcast to everyone or to have linger on the Internet for years.
One simple way to instill this in your kids, Ann Marie says, is to become their friends. Just knowing their parents can see everything should make kids think twice before hitting post.
If its not mom- and dad-friendly, Ann Marie says, then they shouldnt be posting it.
Are you friends with your kids on Facebook? How closely do you feel you need to watch their activity online? Share your own tips in the comments below.
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