Social Networking Guidelines

Facebook has taken the world by storm. Ten-year-olds, teenagers, grandmothers, churches, and restaurants have all jumped in with both feet. What began as a networking site for young professionals has evolved into a “cleaner” Myspace. The parental guard has a tendency to be let down because Facebook does not have the reputation that other networking sites such as Myspace have developed. 

Parents should ask themselves a couple questions when considering social networking and, for the sake of this article, Facebook specifically. 

What is an appropriate age to allow my young person to access Facebook?

The answer to this question is not static. Each parent will need to decide this for himself. Here are some thought-provoking statements:

• Facebook (and any other social networking site) was created to connect people that otherwise would not be connected.This would seem to gear these sites toward people that have moved and have friends a great distance from them. 

• Facebook itself imposes a 13 and over semi-policy. If the world suggests no one under 13 obtain an account, how much more should Christians be leery of social networking sites with pre-teens. 

So you, the parent, must use godly wisdom when making this decision for your children. I’ve always believed—when in doubt, don’t.

What are my options, as a parent, to monitor my young person on Facebook?

Some of these options may seem extreme to many, and they are not all suggested. This is simply a list of options that you can use to monitor your young person’s Facebook account.

• Know your child’s password, and regularly monitor their account by logging in. 

• Make your child’s profile private. This can be done by clicking “Account” in the upper right hand corner. Then go to “Privacy Settings.” You may then control who can view the profile. I would suggest “Only Friends” for each of the options.

• Make your child’s profile unsearchable. Once again, this is done by clicking “Account” then going to “Privacy Settings.”  You can then select “Only Friends” or “Friends of Friends.”

• Set up the Facebook Mobile application to your (the parent’s) phone number. This is done by clicking “Account” then going to “Account Settings.”  Once in account settings, click on “Mobile,” and enter your phone number to receive text message alerts from your child’s account. You have the option of selecting how many text messages you receive by managing the “Which text notifications should go to my phone?” section on the mobile page. 

Some final suggestions

Do not allow your child to list their address and/or phone number in their profile.

Never allow your child to accept a friend request from a stranger.  When you have a friend request from someone you do know, take a few moments to view their profile before confirming or ignoring their request.

Realize the devil can and will use the power of the internet; we must guard against it.