Facebook is a social networking site used by more than 500 million people in every country on the planet, so far in 70 languages. The site’s minimum age is 13, but teens represent only a minority population on Facebook. It’s used by a lot of adults, certainly including parents.
So how do you keep your kids and yourself safe when using Facebook? According to Anne Collier and Larry Magid the Co-Directors of ConnectSafely.org, who wrote a 34 page guide on Facebook safety, the top safety tips are:
• One way to monitor your child’s Facebook activities, is to “friend” them and get them to friend you – then you can establish a family rule that says something like, “No one can block other family members from content any of us posts in Facebook.”
• Use your real age when setting up only. Facebook provides additional protection for users under the age of 13.
• Choose your friends wisely. If you choose not to accept someone as a friend they will not know.
• Do not use your picture for your profile. Instead choose a cartoon character or image that you really like.
• Never put your address, place of birth, phone number, date of birth or email address on Facebook for public viewing.
• Go to www.fbparents.org and look at the Parents guide to Facebook to find out more info on Facebook safety.
But the number one tip is to talk to your kids and set some rules about socializing online and even using the internet. The more you talk the more you will both be on the same page!
NOTE: Veronica Schneider has been with Little d Technology for three years. She is currently a freshman at Central Oregon Community College studying for a business transfer degree, and is a co-facilitator at the Ford Leadership program La Pine Cohort #2. This talented young lady teaches clients of all ages how to use their computers effectively. If you are interested in a computer tutoring session with Veronica, give her a call at Little d Technology at 541-536-1079.
No comments:
Post a Comment