Facebook Age

74jax

I used to work for CEOP and trained children in how to stay safe on the web, FB being a big part of it but also covered moshi monsters/club penguin etc.

I wouldn't personally say he couldn't, but teach him the 'right' way to be safe.

Make all his settings for friends only, never friends of friends.
Try not to 'like' or comment on statuses that say 'going to the park tonight' etc as unfortunately some people could then go to the park knowing who would be there.
Don't put photos online in your school uniform (showing which area you're most likely to live).
Don't ever accept friends you don't know, even if you have friends in common.
Don't allow friends to tag you - make it so have to approve tags.

I used to always say to 12s and under, you have lied and pretended to be older than you are, some people lie just as easily and pretend to be younger.

Check out CEOP, they have really (really) good very short video's that teenagers can relate too and make them think.

Also be careful on your profile pic. Sometimes 'games' happen where you change your pic to your favorite childhood memory/tv show etc - what does this show anyone who looks at your profile pic? Your age.

As a parent of a child who will grow up using the internet please please please learn to help them and check out https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Tiddlywinks

He's just about to be 15 - FIFTEEN - not 5!

You sound just a little bit too controlling.... this thread and your other one about his 'smell' and making him throw his favourite trainers away (you could have just washed them) are just a bit creepy now.

He is not a pet, he is a person and you need to start treating him with respect and having conversations about things rather than just trying to impose your will.

zoesmummy_2006

someone I know has set their 6 (at the most!!) year old daughter up with a facebook account, her and her younger brother got some form of tablet for christmas and later that night she appeared in my 'people you may know' lists!! My daughter is almost 8 and not a chance would I even consider allowing her on there. My god daughter recently turned 13 and was allowed on fb by her parents and my word does she post drivel lol, all this like for looks via inbox crap and then argues with her older brother on there.

Buick

I don't think it's good for kids (or anyone) to be on there all day, which is what will probably happen. The internet does get a bit addictive!

Tiddlywinks

Buick wrote: »

I don't think it's good for kids (or anyone) to be on there all day, which is what will probably happen. The internet does get a bit addictive!

The same goes for users of MSE etc... how long does the OP spend on here for instance? Don't they have anything more productive they could be doing?

Everything in moderation and all that... still doesn't give the right to absolutely ban the use of a perfectly legal pastime for a 15 year old.

Laurajo_2

Do you have any specific concerns regarding Facebook?

Ie, giving that he is living with you, are there people you are worried about him being in contact with/aware of where he is etc.

If not, I would say let him have it. Talk through your concerns with him, give him some of the excellent tips already on here about staying safe online and let him set one up...he will appreciate you trusting him.

barbarawright

To be honest I'm amazed he hasn't just done it. Why does he need your permission anyway?

System

At the age of 14 my son was using Facebook though an account I set up for him. I set it up using my email address, my password and using the settings I wanted him to have. I didn't hide the fact that I checked up on him from time to time.

At the age of 16 he set up one for himself but he did tell me and I wasn't angry or offended. I permanently closed the account I made for him and I am his Facebook friend on his new account. I have to let go of him at some point.... so little steps...

He also has a twitter account. Although I permanently deleted my twitter account as I didn't use it, he knows I look in on him from time to time. I asked him if he minded and he said if he did he'd change his privacy settings to stop me. He hasn't so he he must be happy for me to read his posts every so often.

Hermia

A_Flock_Of_Sheep wrote: »

OK so people who are parents the minimum age limit for Facebook is 13. How many of you let your children have a profile at that age. My Nephew who lives with me is 15 this month and so far I have said no to Facebook. I don't really want him to waste time on there like his friends do and would rather him go out, practice his guitar and his drawing he loves.

Bear in mind there are some things online that can enhance his hobbies. For example, there are some very talented artists who post tutorials on YouTube and then their followers will follow the tutorial, and will go over to the Facebook group and discuss how their drawing went.

foxymum1977_2

Most of my sons friends who are 12 seem to be on Instagram rather than Facebook ��