At what age would you allow your child to use facebook?

I'd say 16, IF they are a mature 16-year-old. My little sister is 12 and got one and my mom immediately had to make her delete it because it caused so much drama with her and her friends. Literally all they do is post pictures of themselves and brag about hanging out with each other. Ugh.

I intend to raise my children apart from the social media trap. I was raised without a cellphone, without the internet, without social media and I intend to raise my child the same way.

Around 16 or so they will be allowed to have internet access and all that. But until then I am going to do my best to teach my child to interact with human beings apart from electronics. I think that's the best gift I can give my child. especially in this day and age where children text each other but don't know what to do or say when they're face to face.

I agree to an extent, but this is a different world from the one we grew up in. I think there can be a balance of both.


I take it you don't have teens yet.

I intend to raise my children apart from the social media trap. I was raised without a cellphone, without the internet, without social media and I intend to raise my child the same way.

Around 16 or so they will be allowed to have internet access and all that. But until then I am going to do my best to teach my child to interact with human beings apart from electronics. I think that's the best gift I can give my child. especially in this day and age where children text each other but don't know what to do or say when they're face to face.

I agree to an extent, but this is a different world from the one we grew up in. I think there can be a balance of both.

I take it you don't have teens yet.

My son is 6 and has an MFP account. His name is SandwichFartist if you'd like to add him....

How is he doing on his journey?

I intend to raise my children apart from the social media trap. I was raised without a cellphone, without the internet, without social media and I intend to raise my child the same way.

Around 16 or so they will be allowed to have internet access and all that. But until then I am going to do my best to teach my child to interact with human beings apart from electronics. I think that's the best gift I can give my child. especially in this day and age where children text each other but don't know what to do or say when they're face to face.

I agree to an extent, but this is a different world from the one we grew up in. I think there can be a balance of both.

I intend to raise my children apart from the social media trap. I was raised without a cellphone, without the internet, without social media and I intend to raise my child the same way.

Around 16 or so they will be allowed to have internet access and all that. But until then I am going to do my best to teach my child to interact with human beings apart from electronics. I think that's the best gift I can give my child. especially in this day and age where children text each other but don't know what to do or say when they're face to face.

I agree to an extent, but this is a different world from the one we grew up in. I think there can be a balance of both.

I got my first cellphone at the age of 24. I'm very grateful that I grew up in a different world. These days I hear teenagers saying things like: My cellphone is my LIFE!!! And it disturbs me.

Facebook is dangerous. And until someone is mature enough to use it wisely, I don't think they should have it. 16 would be the point where I'd say; I don't think you're mature enough to handle this BUT I am going to let you have it and if you mess up your privileges will be revoked. Simple as that.

When I say it's a different world, I'm not talking about what other kids have and what kids want. I'm talking about just learning to navigate the world as it is. Obviously, you need to exert control over things and say no when approrpiate. But you also don't want to cripple them when it comes to competing in the world as adults. My grandparents grew up before dishwashers and microwaves, but they didn't prevent their children from using those things just because they weren't able to do so.

And keep in mind about cell phones: There aren't pay phones on every corner anymore.

Facebook is dangerous. And until someone is mature enough to use it wisely, I don't think they should have it. 16 would be the point where I'd say; I don't think you're mature enough to handle this BUT I am going to let you have it and if you mess up your privileges will be revoked. Simple as that.

Um, just like a car itself is not dangerous, neither is a website. If a 35 year old who has never had driving lessons gets behind the wheel of a car and starts out across town in rush hour I am scared. If a 13 year old who has been taught the rules and has been disciplined for not following said rules is given a facebook account with the understanding that there are rules that everyone is supposed to follow and he/she is expected to follow them no matter who doesn't follow them, then I feel pretty comfortable.

As a parent, my job is to teach my kids to navigate safely and respectfully through a world that can be dangerous - not to keep them away from anything that might harm or hurt them. My 15 year old has had FB for 3 years and has kept me on his friend list - in fact I am friends with quite a few of his friends as well, not necessarily because I want to spy on them but because I genuinely like them and like to hear about what they are doing. My 12 year old is impatiently waiting to turn 13 so that she can get an account because it clearly states on FB guidelines that you must be 13.