Welcome to the latest edition of “Tween Tech,” a series that explores the social media platforms that are most popular among children. Previous discussions have covered platforms like Jott, Snapchat, Instagram, Vine, and Clash of Clans.
What is Facebook?
Launched in 2004 as a networking tool for Harvard students, Facebook has evolved into the world’s largest social media platform, boasting 1.49 billion users as of June 2015.
Why is it Popular Among Tweens and Teens?
Children often become familiar with Facebook long before they create their own accounts, observing parents share their milestones online. Many parents feel comfortable with Facebook, making it a common choice for their children’s first social media experience. Among kids who use only one network, two-thirds are on Facebook, which is easily accessible on any Wi-Fi-enabled device.
While the media claims that Facebook is losing traction with younger users, data suggests otherwise. Although tweens may engage with multiple platforms, Facebook remains the most widely used. The network’s appeal increases as more peers join, prompting others to follow suit.
Why is Facebook Important?
Facebook serves as a foundational platform for tweens, often their initial exposure to social media. Its relative safety offers a solid environment for cultivating responsible online habits, which parents hope their children will carry into other platforms.
Usage Statistics
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 71 percent of children aged 13 to 17 engage with Facebook. Due to the platform’s minimum age requirement of 13, accurate data on users under this age is unavailable, as many may falsify their age to register.
How Are Kids Using Facebook?
From my interactions with tweens and teens, their usage mirrors that of their parents: they share photos, memes, stay in touch with friends, and enjoy humorous videos.
Monitoring Your Child’s Activity
A proactive approach involves creating your own Facebook account and requesting to befriend your child. Although this strategy is not foolproof—determined tweens can easily conceal their activity from parents—it is a practical starting point.
Before solidifying your friendship on Facebook, discuss interaction guidelines with your child. For instance, while it might be acceptable to wish them a happy birthday on their wall, they may prefer that you refrain from commenting on every conversation with friends. If you have concerns about their posts, address them in private rather than on their profile.
Finding Balance
Parents may find their tween’s posts irritating (and vice versa). If necessary, you can choose to “unfollow” their updates, allowing you to view their profile without cluttering your timeline.
Why Parents Can Breathe Easier
In comparison to platforms like Snapchat and Yik Yak, Facebook is generally less enticing for tweens and simpler for parents to oversee. Many parents possess their own accounts, making it easier to provide guidance as tweens navigate the platform.
Facebook also includes features that allow kids to manage their friend lists and privacy settings. For instance, they can restrict visibility to certain individuals and choose who can see their posts. Reviewing these settings together is crucial for ensuring both parties understand their implications. It also opens discussions about what is appropriate to share online and with whom.
Potential Concerns
Tweens do not need to be particularly tech-savvy to limit their audience for posts, which means parents shouldn’t assume they see everything their child shares. Private messages and groups provide avenues for discussions that may remain hidden from parents. Monitoring these aspects requires direct access to the child’s account.
Additionally, private groups and messages can easily be overlooked or deleted. A determined child could create a hidden profile not shared with parents. Maintaining open communication about expectations and boundaries is vital.
Other issues that may arise for tweens include experiencing negative comments, feeling excluded from social events, or obsessing over likes and friend counts. Drawing from your own experiences can help facilitate conversations about navigating the challenges of social media.
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Summary
As Facebook continues to be a primary social media platform for tweens, parents should actively engage with their children about online behavior, privacy settings, and the potential risks associated with digital interactions. By fostering open communication, parents can help their children navigate social media responsibly.