Social media and social networking has become more and more popular as a consequence of Facebook and MySpace. Social networking sites have many different uses based on the interests of the customer. Although Facebook and MySpace started out as a way for friends to connect, users are now able to create groups to connect those with similar interests and arrange business profiles to use for a marketing tool. Originally these websites were targeted towards college and high school graduation kids; however, the age demographic has been growing older. The phrase My Mom i€™s on Facebook became a well known joke and even started an SNL skit.
The age of users has also been getting younger and younger in the past few years. Although there does exist an age limit of 13 years old on most social networking sites, kids are still going on and creating accounts under a false age. This limit is necessary as a result of mature content and to protect kids from online predators. There are a number on social networking websites that are targeted towards kids younger than 13 and their parents. There are several items to consider when choosing the right social networking website for small children.
Parents need to be aware of the websites their children are using and evaluate if a lot of these sites are safe. Parents need to determine how often a person who and communication is checked. The site should have security and safety rules and privacy policies posted on their site. Safe social networking sites should have TRUSTe Children’s Privacy close up, ESRB Privacy Online Application seal, or VeriSign Secured seal visible to parents. Parents need to discover if there are any inappropriate links or ads on the site. All content needs to be age appropriate if the site is specifically targeted towards kids under the age of 13.
After choosing the correct social networking site there are some follow-up questions that guardians should ask. Parents need to ask their kids about what they want to use the social networking site for and what content they are uploading and posting for friends to see. Make sure they know the type of information that should be kept private such as their current address. Most sites have security settings and parents need to make sure that their profiles settings are set for the optimum privacy. This protects strangers from preying on small children. Parents should also create their own accounts to be able to monitor what their kids are posting and who they are friends with.
Kids social networking sites have many positive aspects and kids should not be discouraged from utilizing these sites. Social networks allow kids to make friends with children from around the world and keep in touch with old friends who have moved away. Kids can join or create groups to connect with other people who share similare interests as them. By creating their own personal profiles, kids are able to express themselves in their own personal space and discover precisely what interests them. Several sites offer online educational tools to aid kids with their homework. With the right blend of fun, learning, and parental involvement small children can enjoy themselves on social networking websites.
