Facebook, as one of the largest social media platforms in the world, has a huge responsibility when it comes to protecting children and teens online. With billions of users, many of whom are underage, Facebook needs robust safeguards in place to keep young users safe from online threats like bullying, predators, and inappropriate content.
Facebook’s Age Requirements
Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. This is in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a US law that requires parental consent for collecting data on children under 13.
When signing up for Facebook, users must enter their birthday. If the birthday indicates they are under 13, they will be unable to create an account. However, there have been many instances of kids under 13 lying about their age to join Facebook.
Steps Facebook Takes to Enforce Age Requirements
Facebook employs several methods to try to ensure only teens 13 and older have accounts:
- Requests proof of age if they suspect a user is underage
- Uses AI to scan for clues that accounts belong to underage users
- Relies on users and parents to report underage accounts
Still, their age verification processes are not foolproof. Many under-13 users slip through the cracks by entering a fake birthday.
Parental Supervision Tools
Facebook offers certain features to help parents keep tabs on their teens’ activity and set restrictions:
Messenger Kids
Messenger Kids is a version of Facebook Messenger designed for children under 13. It gives them access to a messaging app with parental controls such as:
- Parents have to approve all contacts
- Parents can monitor chats within the app
- No ads or in-app purchases
Family Center
Family Center allows parents to oversee their teen’s Facebook and Instagram activity. Parents can:
- Set screen time limits
- Restrict access to certain features like chats and stories
- View who their teen interacts with
- Get notifications when teen reports something in the app
Other Supervision Tools
Other parental controls Facebook offers include:
- Activity Log – Parents can see child’s posts, friends, follows, etc.
- Remote Device Logout – Log child out of Facebook on their device
- Purchase Approvals – Control in-app purchases on Facebook
While these tools allow parents some control, teens can still find ways around them if they have unmonitored access to devices and the internet outside of Facebook’s platform.
Privacy Settings & Information
Facebook provides extensive privacy options and information to help teens control their online presence:
Privacy Settings
Teens can use Facebook’s privacy settings to control who sees their posts, limit messages and friend requests, disable location sharing, and more.
Privacy Checkup
Regular reminders and walkthroughs on how to adjust privacy settings and review what info is visible to others.
Privacy Education
Articles, videos, tips on Facebook’s Privacy & You page explaining key concepts like public vs private, reputation management, limiting audience, etc.
Empowering teens to self-manage their privacy is crucial, but privacy controls alone cannot fully protect them.
Safety Features on Facebook
In addition to parental tools and privacy controls, Facebook employs technology and policies to enhance safety:
AI to Detect Harmful Content
AI and machine learning identify and remove harmful posts related to child exploitation, suicide, self-injury, sexual solicitation, and more. However, it is not 100% accurate.
Reporting Tools
Users can report inappropriate or abusive content and accounts. Facebook reviews these reports.
Blocking and Restricting
Users can block or restrict others to avoid unwanted interactions. But blocked users may still view someone’s public profile and posts.
Identity Verification
Facebook may ask users to verify their identity with a photo ID if they exhibit suspicious behavior. This can deter predators posing as teens.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
Facebook works with law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal cases like child exploitation.
But critics argue Facebook does not do enough to curb harmful content or cooperate fully with authorities.
The Risks for Teens on Facebook
Despite Facebook’s protections, experts warn of risks teens still face:
Cyberbullying
Bullying and harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Predators
Adults may use Facebook to groom and exploit minors, even without catfishing as a teen.
Harmful Content
Extremism, self-harm promotion, pornography, and other damaging material can reach teens.
Unhealthy Comparisons
Teens may develop negative body image or feel inadequate comparing themselves to others.
Oversharing
Teens often share too much info publicly, unaware of long-term reputation impact.
Time Waste
Excess Facebook use harms sleep, grades, concentration, and mental health.
Teaching teens responsible social media habits is crucial to mitigating these risks.
Facebook’s Efforts to Address Criticism
Facebook has faced widespread criticism that it prioritizes profit over user safety. Some actions it has taken in response:
- Increasing content moderation staff to over 35,000
- Tightening rules around sexual solicitation of minors
- Launching a Youth Portal with safety tips for teens
- Partnering with child safety organizations
- Funding external research on teen mental health and social media
However, many child advocates argue these moves are insufficient. They continue pressuring the company to take more aggressive steps.
Comparison to Other Social Platforms
Most major social media platforms now offer some level of parental controls and age verification:
| Platform | Minimum Age | Parental Supervision Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Family Center, Activity Log, Remote Logout | |
| 13 | Family Center, Supervised Accounts | |
| Snapchat | 13 | Family Center, Parental Controls |
| TikTok | 13 | Family Pairing, Restricted Mode |
| YouTube | 13 | Supervised Experiences |
Most platforms ban children under 13. But enforcement challenges remain industry-wide.
The Role of Parents
While social platforms bear responsibility for user safety, parents play a critical role in protecting teens online. Experts recommend parents:
- Educate kids on online safety and being smart consumers of social media
- Set age-appropriate rules for social media use
- Monitor screen time and online interactions
- Use parental controls but avoid overly sheltering kids
- Keep open communication on social media risks
Teaching teens to balance risks and rewards of social media is key to raising digital citizens.
Conclusion
Facebook offers a range of protections for teen users, from age requirements to parental tools to safety features. However, gaps remain that allow underage use, cyberbullying, predators, and other threats.
Critics argue Facebook must take far stronger action to protect young users vulnerable to harm. But ultimately, involved parenting is essential to guiding teens safely through the digital world.