Can a Teenager Use Facebook Without a Parent's Permission?

While parents may not want their teenagers on Facebook, any one over the age of 14 can start a profile on the social network. If a child is 13 or younger, you can report the profile to Facebook and have them remove it. You can forbid your child to have a profile or attempt to remove it yourself, but if these aren't realistic options, there are plenty of other ways you can help ensure that your child's online experience is safe and wholesome.

  1. Set Rules

    • According to privacy site TRUSTe, 75 percent of parents monitor their teens' social networking accounts, including Facebook. But teens can find a way to block parents in their privacy settings. It is important to set clear rules for teens when it comes to the Internet. "HealthyChildren.org" suggests limiting computer use and to common area where the screen can be monitored. Limit the time spent on the computer each day, and discuss rules about online safety. Teens can block parents from seeing their profile, so having their password and logging into their account to check their notifications and messages is a good idea.

    Privacy Settings

    • It is important that teens keep personal information, such as their address, phone number, and other identifying information, off of their profile. Lack of anonymity can leave teens vulnerable to online predators. Make sure your teen also doesn't accept friend requests from anyone that she doens't personally know. "HealthyChildren.org" advises coming up with a procedure for teens should they be contacted, harassed or threatened via email or instant messages on Facebook, stating that the most effective response is to ignore the person and tell a trusted adult. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggests parents consider formal monitoring systems to track teens' Internet use.

    Online Identity

    • Everything your teens put on Facebook becomes part of their online identity -- potentially forever. Even if their privacy settings are set to limit their posts to only friends and family, people can still share what your teen puts on her profile. For example, pictures are easily downloaded and can be passed around, and once the images are copied, you and your child lose all control over who has them, or what they do with them. Encourage your child to be savvy about what she shares online by reminding her that if it isn't something she'd want her whole class, or her teachers, or her grandparents to see, it shouldn't be posted.

    Tips for Parents

    • Facebook itself offers advice for parents whose teens are joining the social network. Facebook staffers encourage safety, rules, respect, communication and for parents to get involved. Keeping up with technology can be difficult, so ask your kids to explain it to you. By showing them you are interested and willing to learn what you may not know they may be more inclined to adhere to the rules. Facebook is for people of all ages (14 and older) so parents should consider joining and creating a family group for photo sharing and keeping in touch with extended family that may live far away.

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