The latest edition of “Tween Tech” delves into the social media platforms that dominate our children’s online experiences. For insights on other popular apps like Jott, Snapchat, Instagram, and Clash of Clans, be sure to check out previous posts in this series.
Overview of Facebook
Launched in 2004 for Harvard students, Facebook has evolved into the world’s largest social networking site, boasting 1.49 billion users by mid-2015.
Why Teens and Tweens Are Drawn to Facebook
Many children become familiar with Facebook long before they create their accounts. They observe their parents sharing memories of their childhoods online, which nurtures a sense of comfort with the platform. Consequently, Facebook frequently serves as the first social media account that parents grant their kids, with around two-thirds of those using only one social network being on Facebook. Its accessibility on Wi-Fi-enabled devices also contributes to its popularity.
Despite media narratives suggesting Facebook is losing relevance among younger users, statistics tell a different story. While tweens may explore other platforms, Facebook remains the most widely used. The network’s allure increases as more friends join, prompting tweens to sign up as well.
The Importance of Facebook
Facebook is often termed the “gateway drug” of social media, serving as many tweens’ initial exposure to online interactions. Its relatively safe environment is ideal for teaching responsible online behavior, which parents hope their children will carry over to other platforms.
User Statistics
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 71 percent of teenagers aged 13 to 17 use Facebook. Because the platform requires users to be at least 13 to register, data on younger children is not collected, leaving their actual numbers unknown.
How Tweens Utilize the Platform
From my observations and conversations with tweens and teens, their usage mirrors that of their parents: posting photos, sharing memes, connecting with friends, and watching entertaining videos.
Monitoring Your Child’s Facebook Activity
The most effective way for parents to oversee their child’s Facebook activity is by creating their own account and requesting to befriend their child. Although this method is not foolproof—determined tweens can easily hide their activities from parents—it’s a solid starting point.
Before solidifying your Facebook friendship, have a discussion with your child about how to interact online. For instance, while wishing them a happy birthday publicly may be acceptable, they might prefer that you refrain from commenting on every interaction they have with friends. Should any concerns arise regarding their posts, it’s best to address them in person rather than through the platform.
Finding Balance
You may discover your tween’s posts to be somewhat annoying, and they might feel the same about your activity. If so, you can choose to “unfollow” their updates while still having access to their profile.
Why Parents Can Feel More at Ease
Compared to apps like Snapchat and Yik Yak, Facebook presents fewer temptations for tweens and is simpler for parents to monitor. Many parents have their own accounts, which enhances their ability to provide guidance as their children navigate the platform.
Facebook offers numerous features that help manage what kids can see. Users can control their friend lists, hide posts from certain individuals, and adjust privacy settings to determine who can view their content. Going through these settings together, although tedious, is crucial for ensuring proper understanding and setup. This also creates an opportunity to discuss what is appropriate to share online.
Concerns for Parents
However, parents shouldn’t assume that being friends on Facebook means they see everything. Tweens can easily restrict their audience for posts, and direct messaging or private groups can facilitate conversations without parental awareness. The only way to monitor these is by checking your child’s account directly, but private group memberships and messages can be easily deleted.
A tech-savvy tween could even create a secret profile to hide from parents. Open and honest discussions about online safety and expectations are essential for maintaining trust.
Parents may also encounter familiar challenges when their child uses Facebook, such as exposure to bullying, feelings of exclusion from social events, and the quest for validation through likes or friend counts. Sharing your own experiences can provide valuable lessons for your tween on navigating the complexities of social media.
Originally published on October 26, 2005, this article remains relevant as Facebook continues to shape the social landscape for young users.
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Summary
Facebook serves as a significant platform for tweens, offering opportunities for social interaction while also posing challenges for parents who wish to monitor their children’s online activities. By fostering open communication and understanding the platform’s features, parents can guide their tweens through the complexities of social media.