Kids on Facebook

As I browsed the Net two days ago, I ran into this article online, in the Telegraph.co.uk, about Facebook’s plan to lift the ban on children under the age of 13 and allow them to use the social-networking site under parental supervision.

 Currently, a Facebook rule states, “one must be at least 13 years of age before they open their own accounts.” Nevertheless, it is easy for kids to lie about their age when they sign up for an account. Facebook is unable to verify the age they key in. America’s Consumer Reports say that there are around 7.5 million Facebook users below 13 years old. Not only do millions of kids lie to join Facebook, most also do this with the knowledge and help of their parents. Facebook is harmless if you make it harmless. It can be safe for kids if they expose themselves to things appropriate for their age. If they post danger-inviting pictures or statements, that is no longer Facebook’s fault. Facebook shouldn’t have to teach every kid what is right and wrong. To do this is the task of parents.

 On the other hand, Facebook should be more aware of violations of their rules. If they want fewer complaints about the safety of its users, they should implement a more systematic way of detecting violations, other than through reports from other users.

 Last March, St. Theresa’s College (STC) high school students were barred from attending their graduation for posting “obscene” photos of themselves on Facebook. Again the rules state what kind of photos may be posted on the site. But rules set by Facebook can easily be violated since no one is on the watch for offenses, and offenders are not punished.

 Then again, it is up to Facebook users to maintain some self-respect and morality. They should protect themselves from harassment or in the STC case, a lawsuit.

 Facebook has grown a lot since it was launched in 2004. Additional applications were like the Notes, Chat, Voice Call, Video Calling, Facebook Subscribe have been introduced with specific privacy settings. If the issue of minors using Facebook causes too much of a debate, maybe Facebook creators should offer special privacy settings, educational tools and parental controls to ensure an appropriate online environment for younger children. If the kids continue to face danger in any way because of Facebook, in spite of all these child-friendly features, Facebook should not be blamed.

 In the end, whether or not special features for kids will be added, the negative consequences of using Facebook can only come from the user. After all, Facebook was made for people to find and communicate with one another online.