”There is no clear answer as to when it is ok for children to create a Facebook profile,” says Oystein Samnoen, International Director of Kids and Media. “The child’s level of maturity, as well as the level of support and participation from the parents, are decisive factors.”

“As parents, we also need to reflect upon how we relate to age limits,” Samnoen claims.

Why do kids want to be on Facebook?
”Children are social, and they want be a part of the new networks where their peers gather, and that’s why they go to Facebook,” Samoen believes.

”When people around you, either friends or family, get Facebook profiles, it’s natural that you want to be there yourself – and there aren’t many alternatives to Facebook. MSN is one option, but MSN is, to a greater extend, a chat program, and does not have as many options when it comes to sharing pictures, information and offering common discussion forums.”

Facebook is not made for kids
The Facebook concept is built for young people and adults, and is not made for children, Samnoen claims.

”The use and development of Facebook is determined by young people and adults, not by children. The basic idea of Facebook is to share personal information and to present yourself with your true identity. In other words, children will encounter adult topics and a large number of different people if and when they create a profile. Bullying and harassment, posting of photos without consent, forums with dubious content, as well as time consumption, are some of the challenges children might encounter,” Samnoen believes.
 
The decisive role of parents
Samnoen believes it has to be the parents, not the child alone, who decide whether the child should be allowed to create a Facebook profile before he or she is 13 years of age.

”On a general basis, Kids and Media recommends that parents learn to identify and respect age limits. We make it more difficult for ourselves and our children if we teach them that age limits are relative and subject to discussion. Clearly, it is an ethical dilemma that children have to lie about their age in order to create a profile before they are 13. I believe this is something parents should consider and discuss with their children.”

If young children create profiles
Kids and Media’s International Director encourages parents to explore Facebook with their children:
“If your children have Facebook profiles, it might be a good idea to have one yourself – and to befriend your children. This establishes a mutual bond, it might encourage a sense of commitment in the children, and it becomes easier for parents to pay attention to their children’s actions and statements. You should also ensure that the safety settings are set to the highest level, making it difficult for strangers to contact the child.

The development of social skills
Samnoen believes it is a good thing to allow children to develop social skills online and on cell phones, though; it is important that parents are present when the children explore digital arenas.

“The question is; is Facebook the best place to be for children under the age of 13? The child’s level of maturity and the involvement of the parents are key factors if children are to experience a pleasing social life online – also on Facebook.

Attitudes, limits and dialogue
It is relevant for parents to discuss social networks with their children after they turn 10 years old, Samnoen claims,

“From the ages of 10 and 11 many children develop an interest in the social aspects of the Internet and cell phones. Encourage good attitudes, set limits and talk with your children about what they do and experience. Important topics are the use of appropriate language, publishing of photos and who you choose to add as friends.

Related  articles on kidsandmedia.org:

7 things to know about Facebook

Facebook is not suitable for children

Facebook Groups

Facebook in reality