This article is part of our ongoing series, “Tween Tech,” which explores the social media platforms most frequently used by children. Previous discussions have covered apps like Jott, Snapchat, Instagram, and Clash of Clans.
Overview of Facebook
Launched in 2004 as a networking tool for Harvard students, Facebook has grown into the largest social networking site globally, boasting 1.49 billion users as of June 2015.
Why Teens and Tweens are Drawn to Facebook
Children often become aware of Facebook long before they are eligible for their own accounts. They witness parents sharing milestones and memories online, which can create a sense of familiarity. Because many parents are already accustomed to Facebook, it frequently becomes the first social media platform they permit their children to use. Among kids who engage with only one social network, two-thirds are active on Facebook, accessible via any Wi-Fi-enabled device.
Although media narratives suggest that Facebook has lost its appeal among younger users, statistics indicate otherwise. While tweens may also explore other platforms, Facebook remains the most widely utilized. The platform’s popularity increases as more peers join, encouraging others to sign up as well.
The Importance of Facebook for Tweens
Facebook serves as a foundational introduction to social media for many tweens. Its relative safety makes it an ideal environment for developing responsible online behaviors, which can be beneficial as they navigate additional platforms.
User Demographics
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 71 percent of individuals aged 13 to 17 utilize Facebook. Due to the site’s age restriction of 13 for registration (or the likelihood of younger users misrepresenting their age), there is no concrete data on the number of children under 13 on the platform.
Usage Patterns Among Children
In my observations and discussions with tweens and teens, their engagement on Facebook closely mirrors that of their parents: sharing photos, memes, maintaining friendships, and watching entertaining videos.
Monitoring Your Child’s Facebook Use
A practical approach for parents is to establish their own Facebook accounts and request to connect with their children. While this method is not foolproof—determined tweens may find ways to conceal their online activities—it is a constructive starting point.
Before finalizing this online friendship, it is advisable to have a conversation with your child about the expected interactions on the platform. For instance, while acknowledging a birthday on their wall might be acceptable, excessive commenting on their friend conversations may not be well received. If issues arise concerning their posts, it is more effective to address them privately, rather than publicly on Facebook.
A Word of Caution
You may encounter posts from your child that you find vexing. Fortunately, you can opt to “unfollow” their updates, which will prevent them from appearing on your timeline while still allowing you to view their profile.
Why Parents Can Feel Somewhat Assured
Compared to platforms like Snapchat and Yik Yak, Facebook presents fewer risks for tweens and is generally easier for parents to monitor. Many parents are familiar with Facebook, enabling them to offer more informed guidance as their children navigate the site.
Facebook also includes various features that allow children to manage their audience, such as controlling friend requests and utilizing privacy settings. Engaging in a comprehensive review of these settings helps ensure both you and your child understand their implications, providing an opportunity to discuss what is appropriate to share online.
Potential Concerns for Parents
Tweens need not be particularly tech-savvy to restrict the visibility of their posts. Therefore, parents should not assume that friendship on Facebook guarantees complete oversight of their child’s online activities. Private messages and groups provide additional avenues for communication that remain hidden from parental view.
Monitoring these interactions is limited to direct account access. Private groups can be located on the side panel, and messages can be accessed via the chat icon, though they can easily be deleted. Resourceful tweens may even create secret profiles to evade parental scrutiny. As always, fostering open lines of communication and setting clear expectations is crucial.
Common challenges for tweens on Facebook often mirror those faced by their parents: negative comments, feelings of exclusion from social events, and the pressure of measuring self-worth through likes and friend counts. Sharing your own experiences can serve as valuable teaching moments for your child to navigate social media’s complexities.
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Summary
Facebook remains a pivotal platform for tweens, providing them with foundational social media experiences. While it offers relative safety, parents must remain vigilant and engaged in their children’s online activities, fostering open communication about the challenges and responsibilities of social media use.
Keyphrase: Understanding Tween Tech Facebook
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