A Parents Guide to Facebook
Facebook is a social networking site used by more than 800 million active users.Facebook is not only used by teens but it is also used by parents, businesses, organizations , and governments all over the world.Facebook is typically used to chat , share photos, post videos, play games, send invitations, and keep in contact with friends and family. Individuals use Facebook for several different reasons. Teens as well as adults use Facebook as an outlet for self-expression, a place for validation or emotional support, a source for discovering new interests, and general socialization.
Teenagers are common users of Facebook; they are also the ones most at risk. Teens who engage in Facebook are at risk for online peer harassment or bullying.Facebook can also expose them to inappropriate content or put them at risk for ruining their reputation. In order to protect teens from the negative aspects of Facebook, it is important that parents get involved.
It may sound overbearing, but the most effective way to protect your child from the risks of Facebook is to be their Facebook friend, this way you can monitor what is going on with their Facebook page. Be careful not to do anything that might create barriers between you and your child such as leaving embarrassing messages on their Facebook page.
As a parent there are a few suggestions that you can tell your teen in order to make their Facebook page safer. Suggest that your teen set their settings to private, this way only people who are friends with them on Facebook can view their profile. Suggest to them to only accept friend requests from individuals that they personally know, not acquaintances or a friend of a friend. You can also suggest that they don’t share any personal information on Facebook such as their birthday, where they live, their age, or their place of employment.
Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. In the end you are doing yourself and your child a favor by discussing with them the dangers of Facebook and how they can protect themselves.
Collier, A., & Magid, L. (2012). A parents' guide to facebook.
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