Social Networks and Our Kids

As technology evolves it is important for teachers and parents to try and understand the different ways in which the internet is playing a role in our children’s lives.   Social networking is quickly becoming a way the world is communicating, interacting and socializing.  It is only reasonable to assume that our children want to explore this medium, so we as adults need to educate ourselves on how we can assist them to do so in a safe way.

Most social network sites such as FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram are designed and intended for adult use.  These sites collect information about their users and often sell or use that information for commercial use.  These sites clearly state that they are not intended for use by children under 13.  If a website knowingly collects information about users under 13, they must adhere to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (aka COPPA).  One stipulation of this law is that sites intended for use by children under 13 MUST get parental permission.  This is usually done by sending an email notification to the parents email address and requiring verification.

There are social networking sites that follow the COPPA law and cater to children under the age of 13.  The most ideal sites have security features that:

• ·         Encourage positive and appropriate interactions between members.
• ·         Create very strict privacy settings so that only friends can see information your child posts.
• ·         Filter and monitor content for age appropriate material.
• ·         Provide parents the ability to monitor their child’s account.
• ·         Provide internet safety tips and resources for parents.

All social network sites must have a privacy policy.  It is very easy to click on the policy and check if the sites mentions compliance with COPPA and explains what they will be doing with the information the collect about your child.

The decision to allow your child to use social network sites at home is yours as a parent.  If you deem it appropriate for your child to be a member of a social networking site, please consider the following alternatives to sites intended adult use.

• ·         YourSphere- https://yoursphere.com/welcome
• ·         KidzWorld - http://www.kidzworld.com
• ·         FanLALA- http://www.fanlala.com/club