Guidelines for Teens Using Facebook

Explaining the Dangers

• Assist your teenager in setting up his Facebook account, or at least explain to him the proper way to protect his privacy. For example, all that's required to initialize a Facebook account is a first and last name and valid email address. Tell your teen to avoid adding his school's name, home address, telephone number or any other sensitive information to the website. Also explain to your teenager the potential dangers associated with using Facebook. For example, many malicious users attach spyware, viruses and other malware to Facebook ads. Instruct your teenager to use caution when clicking on an unknown ad. Also, remind your teenager to never post potentially damaging images on the website, such as inappropriate personal photos. Internet predators are, unfortunately, avid Facebook users. Protect your teenager by informing him to never privately chat with or arrange a meeting with a stranger or adult.

Facebook Contract

• WebMD recommends that parents insist that teenagers sign a Facebook contract. The contract creates a set of rules your teenager must follow in order to continue using this or any other social media website. For example, explain to your teenager that he isn't allowed to friend any unknown adults or post anything malicious or potentially dangerous on the website, such as inappropriate photos. If the teenager breaks the Facebook contract, a punishment is a loss of computer privileges or access to Facebook. Along with creating a contract, WebMD also urges parents to ̶0;friend̶1; their teenager, which allows you to keep tabs on the website. Before sending a ̶0;friend̶1; request, ask the teenager whether that's acceptable. If he refuses, take this as a sign he could be using Facebook inappropriately. However, don't be offended if he simply doesn't want his parents as a friend.

Controlling Use

• Set limits to the amount of time your teenager is allowed to be on Facebook. Many teenagers become habitual users of social media, which can affect his social life and school work. For instance, only allow your teenager to access Facebook in a shared space, such as the family room or kitchen computer. Your teen is only allowed to surf or update his Facebook status after his chores or homework are completed. Although effective, it's also important to remember all the various devices that allow your teenager to access social media sites, including his smartphone, PlayStation or X-Box gaming consoles. Insist your teenager hand over his smartphone while performing chores or schoolwork. If your teenager refuses, or you notice a marked decline in his school performance, pay attention that this isn't caused by his constant use of Facebook.

Positive Aspects of Social Networking

• Many parents focus on the negative aspects of social networking. However, allowing your teenager access to Facebook, Twitter and any of the other dozens of social networking sites does have some benefits. For example, encourage your teenager to start a study group on Facebook. The teen can discuss schoolwork with his friends, classmates or other children around the globe. Facebook can also be used to share a common interest in music, art or literature with other teens. Encourage your teenager to use Facebook for more enlightening reasons, instead of simply chatting with his friends or posting goofy pictures from the previous weekend.