Image via CrunchBase
My friend and fellow SITStah on SITS.com, Becky of FranticMommy.com, sent out an interesting email yesterday concerning social media use among adolescents. My boys are still young enough that their social media use hasn’t been a large topic (still crossing my fingers that they’ll never grow up). With that said, I’ve been considering allowing our nine-year old to become a Facebook user. ”What?!!!??? Are you crazy? This chic must be a certifiable nut job!” you say.
I have very good intentions and reason for considering this ‘outlandish’ move. Pickle’s best friend, we’ll call him Wylie, moved to Arizona. My initial plan was for them to use Webkinz to communicate and stay in touch. Unfortunately, for some reason we are unable to get Webkinz to work on my Mac (if anyone has any input, I’m open to trouble-shooting suggestions). Enter Facebook. It seems that on the Arizona side of things, Facebook has become essential for staying in touch with friends and family back home. I think it’s been a very good experience for them.
When Becky told me about her research, I took notice. She found that about 75% of kids in the 12-17 years of age group already have a Social Media profile, and most of that 75% already has an iPhone too. The request for a phone is something we’ve dealt with for a while. I acknowledge that there are pros to having a phone however, at this time the cons out weigh those pros. The addition of a phone increases the chance for cyberbullying. Becky noted that chances are that those with Social Media profiles may have already experienced some sort of cyberbullying. Similar to ‘realitybullying’, only one 1 in 10 kids will tell their parents they are being harassed. I can only imagine the overflow of bullying from the internet to school.
Fortunately, from her research she learned about a great site with a fancy-smancy offer to boot. The site is www.socialscanner.com and is a web-based monitoring tool that helps you as a parent see what, who, and where your kids have been on-line, and who they are engaging with. And there’s a FREE 60 day trial being offered right now. Sweet, huh? Becky did say that she signed up and it was very quick and very efficient. I haven’t had a chance but do plan on doing so.
Excellent post Jenny and THANK YOU! Social Media is not all BAD. Like you mentioned for Pickle, it’s an excellent way to stay in touch with friends. I reconnected with relative I hadn’t spoken to since childhood via Facebook. My Brother In Law is being deloyed to Iraq next week. Facebook will be our way of staying in touch with him.
BUT, just beware of the dark side. This research has been uber eye-opening. You want some sad/scary reads? Go to Twitter and seach the the hashtag #stopbullying. Or Goggle Jamey Rodemeyer. It’s all very real.
Thanks again Jenny! You are my SitsTah!
Thank you!! You are correct, SM is not all bad. And, like it or not, it’s here to stay. I appreciate your words of caution and will follow your recommendations before making a final decision! Right back at ya, SitsTah!
I recently met your friend Rebecca through Email Yesterday. I reposted her article on my website as well. Just an FYI, Facebook does have limits on their ages. You have to be 13 years old for an account. However you can lie about your birthday to get around this. My 13 year old Son Just recently created a facebook page. However i have parental Limits on who he can be friends with. There are options out there that you can contol.
Love your website I hope you will check out mine! I’ll be ready more about ya.
Thanks for stopping by TheMagicFarmHouse! So glad you found Becky. She’s great! I didn’t realize Facebook had an age limit, even if there is an easy workaround, at least they’ve made an effort. I’m happy to hear there are parental friendly limits that can be set. Glad you’ve shared this info! I will be sure to stop by TheCouponBarn!!
I hate Facebook! I could write a book on the things I’ve learned about friends & family on Facebook. But I degress. Our rule for facebook is 16. The younger kids can stay young for now. As for our move-away friends, we write letters. Maybe an”old fashioned” way of doing things, buy we have found letters afford friends a greater gift, pressed flowers, feathers, some beach sand & once a case of oranges!
So far we haven’t let Pickle get onto Facebook. Although I’ve heard there’s a way to set-up a minor’s account off of your account so that you control the settings. I don’t think he would do it but once they are on there, what’s to prevent them from opening their own account…know what I mean? Just still not sure yet and think we’ll stick with Webkinz. I will admit that I’m horrible at writing letters and mailing things the ‘old fashioned’ way. They did have a Santa Shop at school yesterday and he purchased his friends gifts there. We are working on sending a package now. I love the pressed flowers, feathers, sand and orange idea! They moved out to Phoenix…maybe if we actually had some snow we could mail it.