Family Friendly Social Sites

These days, kids are on the Internet from a very young age. They play games, download apps and even start to socialize. Because social sites aren't always family friendly, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act forbids websites from collecting personal information about children younger than the age of 13 without parental permission. While this discourages websites from exploiting children, it does not eliminate the risks altogether. Several family friendly sites have been developed, targeting the 13 and younger demographic. The aim is to make the online experience enjoyable for children while keeping parents in the loop during all interactions.

  1. Kindergarten Through Early Elementary

    • Webkinz.com and ClubPenguin.com are top social networking choices for this age range due to the activities and parental control. These family friendly social sites typically focus on games and rewards. Webkinz, recommended by both Parenting and Time Tech, has users create avatars of their Webkinz pets. ClubPenguin does the same, using a Penguin avatar, as opposed to having kids use actual pictures of themselves. Neither site allows personal information to be shared, and unless a parent approves otherwise, kids cannot send messages other than preset phrases. Even if those settings are turned off, filters prevent inappropriate words from being used; if kids feel uneasy about something, a moderator button is a click away.

    Elementary

    • Elementary school kids are the targeted age group for some social sites, two of which encourage parental involvement and interaction. Mashable created a Top 5 list, which included Togetherville, selected for its resemblance to Facebook. Kids can get the look and feel of the social network, without the dangers that come along with it. Parents create their child's social site using their own Facebook profile and then select friends via their own Facebook friends and email addresses. Kids then have access to preselected YouTube videos, games and projects, but outside links, unapproved friends and private conversations are not allowed. Another appropriate option is ScuttlePad, a network that allows kids to post messages, make friends, upload photos and make comments following a given format with preselected words. Photos are manually approved by ScuttlePad because social engagement is under careful moderation.

    Tweens

    • Tweens are likely the most at risk for Internet dangers, as they are savvy enough to find the ways around registering on a 13 and older site. The key is to monitor their usage and find social sites that offer the same entertainment at an age-appropriate level. Grom Social was developed by a tween, who went beyond the Child Online Protection Act by requiring users to get parental permission. The site has language and content filters and provides parents with email updates about their kid's activities. Similarly, GiantHello was rated a safe social site due to the safety precautions it uses. Parents must provide the last four digits of their social security number or charge 1 cent to a credit card to verify an account. Mashable cites this social networking experience as the closest to mainstream social media networks, and perhaps the most enticing to tweens, allowing users to post comments, give status updates and join groups.

    Always Monitor Usage

    • Even with the safest family social sites, things can happen. In a survey by Pew Internet Research, 38 percent of kids ages 12 to 14 said they had an online profile of some sort. Monitoring usage is the only way to ensure your child has the safest experience possible. Go over rules and set time limits to ensure they know what is expected from them when partaking in this privilege. Set guidelines as to what to do if something uncomfortable happens -- for example, receiving a friend or chat request from someone they don't know. Keep the lines of communication open and teach your kids how to guard their presence on social sites.

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