Don�t Kid Around with Facebook!

Are your kids pleading with you to go on Facebook?

Facebook’s current policy (which could soon be changing) is that you have to be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account.

There’s no real way to police this so as with anything, education is key. Here are a few points you should be aware of if you’re thinking of opening an account for your child:

1. Fake Friends - Predators prey on unsuspecting children by creating fake profiles to befriend them. Children want to boost their friends list and sometimes accept questionable requests.
   
   
2. It’s Not Nice to Share - Children don’t always understand the concept of privacy. They often share passwords and release private information that reveals their identity.
   
   
3. Endorsement Errors - If your child “Likes” a company that’s on Facebook, their image may appear next to an ad for that business when random strangers view their news feeds.
   
   
4. Assess Access - If your child creates a fake birthdate to sign up, Facebook will think your child is 18 when they’re actually much younger. They’ll then be subjected to ads that are geared towards adults.
   
   
5. Itchy Fingers - An impulsive rant could easily come back to haunt your child with devastating consequences. Make sure they understand that their posts aren’t owned by them and can never be taken back.

It’s important that parents proactively educate their children in today’s ever changing online world. If your kids are on Facebook, make sure to check their privacy and location settings and teach them about the new age “facts of life”.