With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms for people of all ages. However, it can also pose risks, especially for children and teens who may not fully understand privacy settings or make wise decisions about what they share online.
As a parent, you can take steps to help your child use Facebook safely. Here are some tips:
Set Age Limits
Facebook requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. However, children mature at different rates, so you may want to consider setting your own age limit for your child to use Facebook based on their level of responsibility and judgment.
Many experts recommend 16 as the absolute minimum age, but you can make your own informed decision based on your child’s maturity level. If your child is under 13 and sets up an account anyway, you can have Facebook disable the account if you find it.
Create the Account With Your Child
When your child reaches the age you deem appropriate, sit down with them when they create their Facebook account. Go through each step together and set up the privacy settings to maximize their security.
In the account setup, be sure to:
- Use your child’s real name, not a nickname.
- Avoid including personal details like address, phone number, or email.
- Use a strong password and do not share it with others.
- Set the visibility of posts to “Friends only” by default.
- Disable location sharing services.
- Disable access to posts by search engines outside of Facebook.
Guiding your child through the process shows you care about their online safety while still allowing them to benefit from social media.
Friend or Follow Your Child
Send your child a friend request so that you can monitor their Facebook activity from your own account. This allows you to keep tabs on their posts, photos, and friends list.
Make sure your child knows you will be following their account so they are aware of your supervision. Let them know you are doing this for their own safety and that it is not about spying or distrust.
Agree On Privacy Settings
Have an open conversation with your child about what information they should and should not share online. Explain that anything posted can be seen by strangers as well as friends and could remain public forever.
Together, go through your child’s privacy settings and make sure you both agree they are at the strictest level for sharing posts, photos, contact details and location data.
Encourage your child to only allow friends they know in person to see their full profile and posts. Show them how to block or unfriend anyone who makes them uncomfortable.
Limit Access
To help avoid excessive use, set some limits around your child’s Facebook access such as:
- No using Facebook after a certain time each night
- No phones or devices with Facebook access in bedrooms after bedtime
- Facebook only allowed for a certain number of hours per day
Younger children in particular may struggle to self-regulate their social media use, so creating these boundaries shows you care about their wellbeing.
Lead By Example
Show your child how to use Facebook appropriately by being mindful of your own sharing habits:
- Keep personal details like phone numbers private
- Be selective in who you accept friend requests from
- Avoid oversharing personal issues
- Be kind and respectful in posts and comments
Your child will learn a lot from observing how you conduct yourself online. Maintaining your own privacy and digital etiquette shows the right way to use social media.
Install Monitoring Software
Parental control software allows you to track your child’s Facebook activity from your own device. Features may include:
- Viewing incoming and outgoing messages
- Receiving alerts about concerning posts or friends
- Monitoring photos and videos
- Blocking inappropriate content
- Limiting overall time on Facebook
This gives you greater insight into how your child interacts on Facebook. Look for a program that runs in the background without disrupting your child’s usage.
Have Regular Chats
Continue an open dialogue with your child about their Facebook use. Ask questions like:
- What do you enjoy about Facebook?
- How does it help you or make you feel?
- Have you seen anything worrisome on Facebook?
- Do you know all your Facebook friends personally?
This shows your child you care while providing teaching moments about online safety. Praise them for making good decisions and address any concerning behaviors.
Know the Signs of Trouble
Watch for any of these possible warning signs of a Facebook problem:
- Declining grades or interest in hobbies
- Secretive behavior about online activities
- Dramatic mood changes
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Sudden changes in friends or interests
- Cyberbullying behaviors
Take appropriate action right away if you observe any troubling signals like these. Seek help from teachers or mental health professionals if needed.
Remind Them You Are There
Let your child know you are always available to talk if they encounter upsetting content or messages on Facebook. Postive assurances include:
- “You can tell me anything, I’m here to listen without judgment.”
- “I care about your feelings. Please come to me if you’re ever upset by something online.”
- “If you make a mistake on social media, we can solve it together.”
Children are less likely to hide worrisome behaviors if they know they have supportive parental guidance.
Delete the Account if Needed
If your child is violating your rules or putting themselves at risk on Facebook, deleting their account may become necessary. You can:
- Make the choice yourself through your parenting app
- Have your child delete it while you watch
- Report underage or inappropriate use to Facebook
A break from social media gives both you and your child time to discuss better online behaviors for next time.
Table: Summary of Facebook Safety Tips for Parents
| Safety Tip | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Set age limits | Ensures your child is mature enough to use Facebook responsibly |
| Create account together | Provides guidance on privacy settings |
| Friend/follow your child’s account | Allows you to monitor their activity |
| Agree on privacy settings | Keeps your child’s information more secure |
| Limit access | Avoids excessive use |
| Lead by example | Demonstrates positive online habits |
| Install monitoring software | Provides greater insight into your child’s account |
| Have regular chats | Opens dialogue about online safety |
| Know signs of trouble | Allows early intervention if problems arise |
| Provide reassurance | Encourages your child to come to you for guidance |
| Delete account if needed | Provides a reset if your child is at risk |
Set Clear Rules
Establish clear Facebook guidelines that outline your expectations for your child. Explain these rules ahead of time and reinforce them consistently. Some areas to address include:
- Hours per day or times of day when Facebook use is permitted
- Keeping private details like location hidden
- No cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech
- Respectful interactions with others
- Telling you immediately if they experience upsetting comments or messages
Implement fair consequences like losing Facebook privileges if rules are broken. Praise your child when they demonstrate positive online conduct.
Encourage Other Interests
Help your child cultivate hobbies and friendships beyond social media. Sign them up for sports teams, clubs, volunteer work, or youth groups so they can build real-world connections.
Set limits around their Facebook use and designate tech-free times focused on family activities like:
- Playing board games together
- Volunteering in your community
- Trying new recreational activities
- Cooking or baking
- Outdoor time like hiking or biking
Nurturing diverse pursuits enhances well-roundedness and self-esteem.
Answer Their Questions
As your child begins navigating Facebook, encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns. Common topics may include:
- What type of information should stay private?
- What are red flags with online friends?
- What’s the difference between good-natured teasing and cyberbullying?
- What should I do if I’m uncomfortable with a post or message?
Listen openly and have candid discussions about applying ethics and critical thinking to social media. Your guidance helps them learn these skills.
Set a Good Example
You are your child’s most important role model when it comes to online etiquette. Be mindful of what you share and how you interact with others on your own Facebook account.
Actions speak louder than words, so display the same discerning judgment you hope to instill in your child. Keep your own social media habits respectful and focused on the positive.
Conclusion
Facebook can be a fun way for kids to socialize, but also poses risks. As a parent, you can promote safer use through open communication, privacy protections, time limits, and leading by example. Most importantly, keep the lines of communication open and reassure your child you are there to provide guidance without judgment.
By establishing wise social media habits early on, you empower your child to reap the benefits of Facebook while avoiding potential pitfalls. With your support, they will gain the knowledge to make smart online decisions well into adulthood.