Internet Safety for Kids

Using Social Networks Safely

Facebook

Social networking sites are more popular than ever, and they've changed the way that people use the internet. Some of the most popular sites are Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and MySpace. These sites allow people to keep in touch with their friends, share links, plan events and more.

For many teens, and even younger kids, online social networking is an important part of their lives, as it lets them talk to their friends no matter where they are. Social networks aren't a bad thing, but there are a few risks that your kids will need to be aware of.

Age Restrictions on Social Networks

Many social networking sites have an age requirement for creating an account. For example, Facebook does not allow anyone under 13 to join. However, many kids lie about their age in order to join — and some parents allow it or even help them do it.

Keep in mind that these age restrictions exist to protect your child's privacy. If your child uses social networking sites, make sure you know what the minimum age is for each site.

For more information about safety on Facebook, you can go to Facebook's Family Safety Center.

To learn more about social networking, check out our Facebook 101 and Twitter 101 tutorials.