Although Facebook rules say users must be at least 13 years old, most tweens have an account anyway. In fact, a recent survey says 85 percent of tweens have a Facebook account.
Frighteningly, 80 percent of parents of these tweens said they don't have time to monitor their child's online behavior. Most of these tweens are using social media completely unrestricted.
Unfortunately, tweens don't tend to understand the dangers that can lurk on social media. In fact, the survey revealed that 82 percent of tweens think social media is safe and most of them have given out personal information, such as their home address.
Tweens using social media is pretty scary for many reasons. The first reason why it can be a bad idea is that parents are sending the wrong message when they allow their child to lie about their age. If a child can lie about being 13 in order to open a Facebook account, why is it not okay to lie about other things?
Also, tweens aren't mature enough to handle the freedom and responsibility that can accompany social media. Cyberbullying and online predators are just a few of the dangers that can put tweens at risk.
Tweens need a lot of guidance in their every day life as well as in any online ventures. Learn more about how to discipline a 9-year-old to ensure your child is getting everything she needs to stay safe.