Box Tops for Education

Facebook rules state:  "Children under 13. Children under 13 years old are not permitted access to Facebook. In addition, parents of children 13 years and older should consider whether their child should be supervised while using Facebook."

In my house, I really don't care what the other kids are allowed to do.  Rules are rules, period.  Does that mean my daughter will be able to have a Facebook account when she turns 13?  That remains to be seen.  She needs to prove herself responsible first. 

That's my 2 cents.

My daughter has one who is 12 and I have her password.  That way I go on and check all friends, pics, etc.  I feel it all depends on how responsbile your child is.

Okay I really hope I don't offend anyone here but are you kidding me?  Say no.  You are the parent...it's your computer...your internet service to the house...your power that it plugs into...your house etc etc...your rules.  I have a 10 yr old and a 13 yr old and neither has a facebook or myspace account.  They know that is the rule and they don't even ask me anymore.  I compromised some with my 13 year old and allowed him to start a blog.  I locked the blog down to invited readers only and then invited only the family.  I made it so his blog shows all followers so I can easily see who is looking at his blog.  He is not allowed to add readers without my permission and I do check it from time to time and have the passwords.  Facebook should not be used by kids.  They don't always know when to keep things private and when not to.  Also as social networking sites are used more in the country colleges and potential employers are reviewing walls and posts to see what type of person the candidate is.  I would hate for a silly picture or post to keep my child out of college.

Sharon92:

Facebook rules state:  "Children under 13. Children under 13 years old are not permitted access to Facebook. In addition, parents of children 13 years and older should consider whether their child should be supervised while using Facebook."

In my house, I really don't care what the other kids are allowed to do.  Rules are rules, period.  Does that mean my daughter will be able to have a Facebook account when she turns 13?  That remains to be seen.  She needs to prove herself responsible first. 

That's my 2 cents.

my 9 yr. old daugther is not aloud to be on face book unless im there to watch her.

Sharon92:

Facebook rules state:  "Children under 13. Children under 13 years old are not permitted access to Facebook. In addition, parents of children 13 years and older should consider whether their child should be supervised while using Facebook."

In my house, I really don't care what the other kids are allowed to do.  Rules are rules, period.  Does that mean my daughter will be able to have a Facebook account when she turns 13?  That remains to be seen.  She needs to prove herself responsible first. 

That's my 2 cents.

my 9 yr. old daugther is not aloud to be on face book unless im there to watch her.

Sharon92:

Facebook rules state:  "Children under 13. Children under 13 years old are not permitted access to Facebook. In addition, parents of children 13 years and older should consider whether their child should be supervised while using Facebook."

In my house, I really don't care what the other kids are allowed to do.  Rules are rules, period.  Does that mean my daughter will be able to have a Facebook account when she turns 13?  That remains to be seen.  She needs to prove herself responsible first. 

That's my 2 cents.

my 9 yr. old daugther is not aloud to be on face book unless im there to watch her.

It begins and ends with what Sharon92 said.  It's against Facebook rules, even though in the big print it says something like "anyone can join!"  My son's friend (who is almost 12) has an account, so my son wanted to know why he couldn't.  I told him about the rule, showed it to him, and he said that he wanted to be able to go on so he could play games.  I told him I would set up any games he wanted to play (Farmville, Happy Pets, etc.) on my account and he could play them (with my supervision) when he has computer time.  Guess what?  He set them up and played for a day or two, then left the crops and pets to die!

My 14 year old has asked and asked. I continue to tell her there is no reason for her to have an account. She already has unlimited texting on her phone. Also, one of her friends from school (I've added as a Friend on FB) left a post that wasn't appropriate. I sat and explained that while I know the post was not made by her and I believe she has better judgement than to leave such a post, that type of activity was exactly why I didn't think she as a teenager was ready for this social networking site. My 13 year old son hasn't even asked, but then he's not as socially active as my daughter.  

I have an almost 14 year old daughter, and she has her own facebook account. However, her dad and I have the password, and she knows we can check it at any time without warning. Her friends know this, so we have never had a problem with inappropriate comments or pictures. Also, she knows not to approve friend requests from people she doesn't know, and to not give out any personal information. We remind her that once a picture is on the internet, you can NEVER get it back - it's out there forever, and can come back to haunt you. Her last name is not even on her profile. We also make sure that the security settings are correct so that only her friends can see her pictures, videos, etc. I think it really depends on how responsible and mature your child is, and how vigilant the parents are willing to be about keeping the child safe.

Won't happen in my home.  Not for any family member.  The personal information goes out onto the internet and cannot be retracted.  It can be easily used to hack, track, harass and market.  I do not know why anyone would allow their privacy to be publicized this way. 

My kids know they will not even have televisions in their rooms.  They have cell phones and my daughter just got a computer for school.  I have all passwords and security codes or I take them back.  Yes, I check what they write and view.  I am responsible for their health, welfare and safety.  To do less, I would be a bad parent.  They do not know when I check; know I will discuss things with them and so far I have had only one problem from when they first received their phones. 

My son's friend recently received a new phone and texted my son. I picked up the phone and it was a cuss word.  I typed back who I was.  He obviously thought it was a joke until he telephoned and I answered.  We had a short discussion and hopefully, the problem will not happen again. 

Speaking with other parents, the technology today promotes secrecy among the kids and allows too many opportunities for them to be accessed by predators, be bullied, make irritractable mistakes or get in trouble. 

Your children are the most precious people in your life.  Use your instincts and do not be afraid to say no.  Give them guidance and pray for the best. 

My son is 16.  When he was 15, we allowed him to get on Facebook.  He knows I have his passwords for his Facebook, e-mail and his cell phone.  He also knows I will check them any time I want along with the browsing historty on his computer.  I also have Parental controls set on his computer.  Olong with the controls set on his Facebook.

But then again I also check out my 22yr old's Facebook & computer.  I have his info too.  He lives in my home.  And I have a right to know what's going on, & what he might be doing and bringing into my house.

Not to try and sell anything...but disney.com has some fun games for kids. Disney has online worlds like Faries, Pirates, Club Penguin, World of Cars, and Toontown.  It is controlable by parents.  There is limited text words that can be used.  The basic is fun and free...or you can pay to upgrade.  There are other games to play Disney channel based.  Check it out before sharing it with you children to be sure you approve.

I have a 13 year old son and he does have a Facebook account. I set it up for him and his password is "momrules1"... so everytime he logs in, he remembers that I have access to his account. I do periodically log onto his account and check things out. I am also on his friends list, so I see every post and comment that he makes. Hes responsible and knows not to add people he doesnt know and what is acceptable to me and what isnt.

I wouldn't let my child have a facebook account. There is where bullying starts. Studying comes first then being social on facebook and wondering what did so and so has replied. Cell phone texting is enough.

Those are my thoughts.

I realize this post is a year old and I'm just responding now, but.....YES!!!! atch95, you are spot on with your answer. It's so refreshing to hear my thoughts come from another parent as well. With a 13 year old boy whose friends "all have facebook accounts", I absolutely know the pressure kids can put on parents to give in. Stay strong, parents, and do the right thing. Incidently, I understand the "every kid is different" and "some kids are mature enough to handle it" angles. My 11 year old daughter is extremely responsible and mature but she's still not old enough to handle the social/future implications of just one stupid post that can't be taken back once it's out there.

...but if you think your kids are ready for social networking, then I applaud all of you parents who have their kids' passwords and regularly check the posts on their accounts. My sisters kids (all older now) always knew that their parents could (and did) ask to see their cell phones at any time for a text/history check. I think it's all about staying involved in your child's life and taking an interest in their well-being.

Sharon I looked everywhere on your message but I couldn't find the right button.  But I want to Like your responce, I have a 6th grader and she about knocked a friend over with a feather. No I don't have a cellphone, No I'm not on Facebook, Yes I have e-mail. three people have my address, My mom,dad and older brother.  And she's happy with it all.