Should Facebook allow users under age 13?
Jun 4, 2012, 8:37 AM | Updated: 10:34 am
Facebook is testing out ways it might allow younger kids to get on its site. (AP Photo/file)
Facebook is testing out ways it might allow younger kids
to get on its site.
The social network currently bans children under 13, but
millions of them have profiles anyway. The network is
trying to figure out how to allow younger kids to
participate without them lying.
Accounts for children would likely be under parental
supervision. They’re considering connecting children’s
accounts to their parents, which would allow Facebook to
comply with federal regulations regarding children under
13 online.
97.3 KIRO FM Seattle’s Morning News Anchor Linda Thomas
says she’s not a fan of the idea.
“I don’t think they have the maturity to handle this kind
of social networking. I know it’s a part of life, and it’s
something they’ll learn, but they don’t need to be
learning it before the age of 13, when they really haven’t
figured out socializing to begin with.”
Co-host Tom Tangney suggests the company consider a
“Facebook Junior” edition.
“Where you have to be under 13 to be on the site,” says
Tangney.
“Nothing draws the predators like the name Facebook
Junior,” chimes in SMN host Bill Radke.
Thomas says adult Facebook users don’t always know who
they’re chatting with on the social network and the same
could be true for kids using the site.
“How many of your Facebook friends do you really know?”
asks Thomas. “Kids potentially would have the same issue.”
The Wall Street Journal
reported on the development in
Monday’s edition. The plan could be a long way off, or
never be implemented, as happens with many features that
Facebook tests.
In a statement, Facebook says it is in ongoing dialogue
with stakeholders, regulators and other policymakers about
how best to help parents keep their kids safe online.
By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor
The
Associated Press contributed to this report.
