Most of us old enough to have teenagers can remember the days before chatting it up on the Internet. How many of us would sit on the phone and talk with friends? As fast as we would hang up with one we would be calling another. Nowadays, teens have a much more convenient method of keeping up with their friends – Facebook. It allows them to carry on multiple conversations and share everything from favorite photos and videos to all sorts of other information.

Unfortunately, like most other forms of communication, Facebook does have the ability to be abused by unscrupulous individuals which can place kids in a dangerous position. The layout of Facebook is such that only friends, networks such as your teen’s school, and friends of friends can see what it is that your teen is posting. Both posts and profiles of teens are kept from showing in public searches.

This being said, there are some steps that you as a parent can take to keep your teen safe. Talk to your teen – would you avoid talking to them about the dangers of tobacco or alcohol? Then why would you not also talk about the dangerous side of social media. Let them know what is acceptable and what is not as far as what they may share online is concerned. Explain to them that the things they say and do online can and will follow them into the future whether they are trying to apply for a job, get a home, or during other such times in their lives.

If you want your teen to respect your wishes, then you must show them the same. Don’t treat them as a small child. Treat them as the young adult they have become. At the same time, teach them that respect is a two-way street. They should not do anything to others that they would not want done to themselves. Talk to them about the dangers of cyber bullying and how it can destroy lives.

Are you on Facebook? If you would let your teens use the service, then you should take the time to learn it yourself and get involved. Ask your teen to add you as a friend. This will allow you to take a role in seeing who they have added as friends and the sort of things they are posting without simply demanding that they tell you everything. If you are uncomfortable with using Facebook, don’t feel bad. You are definitely not alone.

Audrina Bigos FOX News Charlotte- Posse Social Media Featured 5-17-11

 


One way to engage your teen is to ask them to help show you how to use Facebook. Get them to step you through the process of setting up an account and how to utilize it to its fullest. Odds are they already know a great deal about how to handle it and will be willing to teach you. In the end, it is not about taking away your teen’s right to interact with peers through social media such as Facebook.

Facebook Tips For Parents Regarding Online Protection…

  • If you don’t have a Facebook account you need to open one
  • Parent need to educate themselves regarding how Facebook works
  • Take the time to explain to your kids how social media works and how it can be misused
  • Review the privacy settings and make sure you have the right ones turned on
  • Facebook already protects minors 13-18 but limit who your child shares information with
  • Make sure they are friends with REAL people that they know
  • Do not share your home address, telephone or school information on your profile page

It is about learning as much as possible and being proactive by teaching your teens to avoid the dangers so that they can continue to enjoy Facebook as they grow and develop. Posse Social Media Consulting knows that Facebook is a powerful tool and as the old saying goes “with great power comes great responsibility.” Teach your teens to respect the power of Facebook, and you will likely have little problem in protecting them from the dangers that go along with maintaining an online presence.