How to Monitor a Teen's Facebook Page

As a parent, you know the importance of staying on top of your teen̵7;s online communications, and monitoring his Facebook page is one aspect of that effort. Help keep him safe and secure on this social site by setting ground rules and keeping open your lines of communication. Also, familiarize yourself with Facebook's policies site and privacy limitations, checking back often for changes. Remember there is a minimum age requirement of 13 to have a profile on this social network.

  1. Log On Together

    • If your teen already has a Facebook page, ask for his username and password. It's important to have this information because your teen̵7;s safety is top priority. Assure him you will not be posting on his page, but are only trying to ensure he stays safe and responsible online. If he doesn̵7;t want to give you this information, explain your consequences. Since Facebook does not allow non-account holders, including parents, to access or delete profiles, you might choose to personally monitor or limit your teen's computer access and usage. Insisting that your teen delete his account might be an effective way to convince him to turn over his log-in info.

    Establish Privacy Settings

    • Once you are on your teen's Facebook page, review his privacy parameters with him by clicking on the down arrow at the far right of the tool bar which runs across the top of his page. Go to ̶0;Settings,̶1; then click on ̶0;Privacy.̶1; You can help him limit who does or does not get to see his posts, photos and profile, and who can access his email address and phone number by choosing "Friends" under "Who Can See My Stuff," "Who Can Contact Me," and "Who Can Look Me Up."

    Become Facebook Savvy

    • Besides viewing his account personally, the best way to know what your teen is up to on Facebook is to set up your own profile page and spend time exploring. One thing to look for: ways a teen might be able to prevent you from seeing his posts and photos by blocking you in his settings. You can also ̶0;friend̶1; your teen on Facebook, which allows you to see his posts and list of friends. According to WebMD, this also offers a way to see what his friends are saying on his page. Likewise, you can make sure your teen isn̵7;t giving out too much personal information, isn̵7;t bullying or being bullied, and isn̵7;t posting items that future colleges or employers aren't likely to think are as funny as he does.

    Monitor Activity Regularly

    • Check up on your teen̵7;s Facebook activity on a weekly or monthly basis to be sure he is still following your rules and above all staying safe online. Review his Privacy settings to ensure changes haven̵7;t been made and check his list of friends to be sure new friends are people he knows personally. You might even consider using software designed specifically to track and monitor online activity. If you communicate expectations with your teen regularly, chances are Facebook can remain a fun and safe way for him to communicate with others.

    2. Previous:

    Next:No

    • The Effect of Media Violence on Youth
      Media violence includes violent scenes on television, movies, video games and music videos. According to the National Center of Children Exposed to Violence, violent thoughts and behavior increase after exposure to violent films, music, television or
    • How to Do Punk Makeup
      Punk-chic is no longer a contradiction in terms. Rather, the use of stylish and trendy makeup is a great way to achieve a cute punk look thats also got a hard edge. Punk just looks spontaneous; theres a method to this makeup madness. Instr
    • How Does TV Affect the Way Teens Dress?
      Most teens are searching for identity, role models and acceptance, and they are influenced by their parents, teachers and peers in this process. Outside of the people they know, teens are also influenced by what they see on TV, the articles they read