Facebook has been in the news a lot lately. A couple of weeks ago they went public with their stock and created a quite a stir. This week they are back on the front page with their plan to allow kids under the age of thirteen to create accounts under parental supervision. The plan was initially reported in the Wall Street Journal and drew an almost immediate response from privacy advocates and lawmakers. A federal law, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) prohibits internet companies from collecting personal information from children younger than thirteen. Facebook claims to have the techonology that will help parents proactively oversee their children's activities without violating the law. The company currently rejects anyone under age thirteen, but acknowledges that parents often help younger children create accounts.
I can honestly say I don't know how I feel about this issue. I have no doubt that Facebook's plan is designed to increase their profits. At least they are being honest when they say they know some people are already circumventing the system. In some ways I wish they would be more pro-active in encouraging parents of all minors, those under the age of eighteen, to monitor their children's use of the social network.
Probably the most disturbing aspect is some of the online chat. There are parents who are upset that they will have to supervise and monitor their children's use of a social network. I have to wonder how those same parents feel about others aspects of their children's lives. I would hope they would monitor their children's driving once they have their license, and their dating habits once they enter that stage of adolesence.
Social networks are a part of our culture. As adults it is our responsibility to help all children use them in a positive and productive way. If we make sure they have the proper instruction before they get behind the wheel, we need to make sure they are equipped to enter the world of the internet as well.
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