Comments on: The Day Facebook Ate My Tween – Facebook Lies

By: Margarita Ibbott

Margarita Ibbott — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:51:51 +0000

I set up each of my daughter's FB accounts the day they turned 13. I set it up with a email and password that I had access to. I told them they have to friend me on FB in order to be allowed to use it. Our son recently turned 13. I asked him if he wanted a FB account and he said: "No, I don't think I really need one...Nope, don't want it".

After a few 'drama' episodes, my second daughter decided she did not want to be there any more. "Too much drama she said... so I cancelled it". Works for me.

My oldest is still on there and I was happy she had it when she was away in Ecuador and Colombia last year. Hopefully, she will keep it now that she is going away to school.

Every kid is different... as you can see, three kids, three different approaches to FB.

By: Gingermommy

Gingermommy — Wed, 21 May 2014 01:30:49 +0000

I waited until my boys turned 14. They have everything very secure, private. No pics and short names. Only friends see their updates. I did not allow my oldest and she did it anyway. Figured it was better to do it with rules than have them do it behind my back.

This is a digital age. Times have changed greatly since we were kids

By: Tammy Mitchell

Tammy Mitchell — Wed, 21 May 2014 01:30:15 +0000

What a tough subject! I would of have to breath my way through the day too :). You did awesome mama. I am torn on this. My husband is completely against Facebook (although see’s why I use it) we haven’t talked about what we will do when those days come. DD is 8 and I don’t believe it will be long before we need to review it. Although 13 sounds like the prefect age to me. We like to shelter our children as long as we can, the world can be too harsh!

By: Jennifer Van Huss

Jennifer Van Huss — Tue, 20 May 2014 20:18:23 +0000

EEK! I dread those days!! My kids at 6 and 8 want cell phones! No way hose!!! I agree with you and think you handled the situation beautifully!! Age 13 is an acceptable age to have a fb account.

By: Bonnie Way

Bonnie Way — Tue, 20 May 2014 17:43:07 +0000

Kudos to you! Sounds like you handled this well. I also work online and my kids know that, but I agree that if FB sets the age at 13, then stick by those rules. My kids are younger still so we haven’t dealt with this issue yet but I would also watch what they do online and probably make them wait to have FB or other accounts. Thanks for sharing!

By: Shannon L

Shannon L — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:59:04 +0000

Same rule in my house. Facebook at 13. My dd is still learning what to believe and not believe online. Until then…. no facebook.

By: Chantale D

Chantale D — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:52:50 +0000

I don't have any children so really I don't know what I would have done really but I most likely would tell them about the Facebook Terms of Service and mention in the rules it states you have to be 13 or older.

I think it is the best thing to do.

By: Paula Schuck

Paula Schuck — Tue, 20 May 2014 02:35:52 +0000

In reply to Christy Garrett. Rules are sometimes placed for a reason, right? Kids are too vulnerable and impulsive these days. I need to do what's best for them.

By: Christy Garrett

Christy Garrett — Tue, 20 May 2014 02:07:07 +0000

Kudos to you for making your children adhere to Facebook’s Terms of Service. I know that some parents don’t care that their kids have Facebook but it makes me wonder if parents even know that it is Against the rules for kids under 13 to have an account.