How young is too young to have a Facebook profile?

Dionne - posted on 12/28/2012

There is a fb page for kids under 13. But anywho my son has had his fb page since he was 11. Now when he asked I said yea he had to add me of course and his god mom and anybody else that knew me. I had to have eyes everywhere. And he did. And all his friends I check if I see something I don't like I tell my son right on his page and he gets rid of it. Then too he also puts on his page that his mom and god mom and his mom co workers are on his page and for his friends to be respectful. I mean for me I guess it all comes down to how mature your children are. I mean my son knows I will embarrass him on fb soo quick. No kid wants to be embarrassed on fb. So he respects my rules. I mean if you allow your child to have a fb page and you set rules for the fb then they should respect them. If they can't respect the rules then they have to deal wit the consequences. That's my opinion. My son is now 14 and things hasn't changed. And vice versa I tell ppl that my son is on my page and to be respectful or they will be deleted. Now I'm a adult and I have deleted half my friends off my page.

Amanda - posted on 12/28/2012

Corrine,
It may seem like you are overreacting. But you aren't. It's a parents job to be in their childs life. To keep them out of trouble. And in order to keep them out of trouble. You have to butt into their business. Just remember to lay off when they are adults. When they are adults they can decide for themselves. Put a lock on your computer. Monitor what she does. Do whatever it takes to keep your child safe. The internet is a vast and dangerous place. With much knowledge. She'll learn things, and you won't know how to handle it. Any questions about locking down the internet and computer, google or ask your internet provider.

Corrine - posted on 12/28/2012

im new to this so here it goes....My daughter who is 13 has facebook and we had set rules for her ,no adding people she doesnt know, Shes not allowed to date . We monitor her fb on a regular basis. Now she has broken the rules ,shes dating/adding people she doesnt know and talking inappropriate in our opinion with boys such as flirting asking to cam with them !! she had no idea we were reading her inbox's because she was actually archiving her convos rather then deleting them. When we confronted her she tells us she was just joking with the boys ,i also would like to add that one boy told her he will not date her because she likes to many "boys" another concern of ours! i have an older daughter who is 15 and we never had this issue. She also told her father that if he deletes her fb which i found out is impossible to do! pisses me off to no end!!! that she will just make another one ! let me say she is still breathing an unharmed LOL my whole thing is we feel like we are over reacting about the while thing!! help us please :(

Beth - posted on 12/27/2012

Well technically anyone that makes a page for a child under the age of 13 is making an illegal page.

Megan - posted on 12/27/2012

I have to ask, does anyone know if its illegal to make a facebook for someone else's 4yr old child? My cousin's sister-in-law is mad at her so she decided to make a facebook for my cousins daughter! I would be livid and kicking her door in but im a little extreme when it comes to my babies and keeping them safe.

Shabria - posted on 11/23/2012

do you have to lie about their ages? when letting them get one aren't you scared.

Willow - posted on 10/16/2012

My nephew was allowed an account at the age of 10 (almost 11). He has since band us, his family, from posting any "love stuff" on his wall or he will delete us. He has also been in trouble for sending inappropriate pics to someone (a womans chest, clothed, w/ a msg along the lines of 'I would like you if you had boobs like these...').He was also exposed to violent video games at a young age. My nephew is a turd and doesn't really have any rules in place due to split parents wanting to be the most liked...

On the other hand, my close friend let her daughter have an account at around the same age. She has shown she is responsible enough and is fine with her parents regulating her use of the internet. There are also strict rules set in place that my nephew lacks: No 'friending' people you don't know face to face; no use after a certain hour and not until all home work is done and family time has taken place. She also knows the dangers the internet can bring, not only from other people but from pop up ads and chain mail virus'. And she knows that facebook isn't her diary, it is public and what she says will be seen.

I guess it depends on the child and your family's morals.

My kids are younger, 5 and 2, but my 5yo has already ask for a facebook page.... He wants to play games and likes looking at peoples pictures. I couldn't help but laugh at the situation, which didn't help. I had to explain that facebook isn't just games and pics and that he can ask to look at family pics any time he wants. We have since set him up on PBS kids' website for kid friendly games, which we of course regulate.

Julie - posted on 10/04/2012

This is such a touchy subject, which makes me hesitant to even respond, but I'll try to be keep my personal opinion out of it and just give a logical, diplomatic-type answer. :)



According to the TOS on Facebook, you must be at least 13. That's the short answer: No one under 13. Period.



The long answer? That's between you and your kids. No one knows your kids better than you, and you know if they can handle such a privilege or not. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks - it's totally your call.



I do have some advice, though. If you do decide they can have an account (or even get online for that matter), I think you should at least have a conversation about what you expect out of them (i.e. give them rules) and about potential dangers (i.e. internet preditors). I think this would be the smart and safe thing to do. You may even want to make sure their settings are set to "friends only" or "private" for extra safety. Again, that's a decision to be made between you and them in the end.

Sophia - posted on 09/29/2012

i am so sick of this need for everyone to be on facebook. do they have a part time job ? then too young !!!

Alison - posted on 09/28/2012

I definitely think 13 or above. Any time before that and they'll be irresponsible with it.

Rama - posted on 09/28/2012

Im only 12 years old and I have a facebook ...it's not a big deal !

Sydney Paig - posted on 09/23/2012

im 9 and i want facebook but my parents say im to young

Sara - posted on 09/06/2012

I let my son have a fb page at 13 (12.5?). This being said, he does not have a cell phone and may not have one until he can pay for said phone and the minutes/monthly charges on his own.



In my opinion our kids are too teched out; don't get me wrong, we have video games and obviously computers in our house, but the kids are expected to pay for their own technology needs/wants to varying degrees. AND there are definite rules of engagement on teh interwebz.

Angela - posted on 05/18/2012

Diana, I don't think its odd to not have a FB or other types of social media. I know people who don't, I admit that number if few. I also have friends who do not want their pictures on FB. So I always ask and if it is okay to post pics and respect their privacy.
FB has many privacy settings. And I think many just do not read them or take the time. You can post to whomever you want or only just you.

I have friends and family that have like over a 1000 friends. My oldest daugther and son (well over 18) have this and I do say why so many, you can't possibly interact with them all... And the privacy well with that many friends nope its pretty much hard to control. I don't agree with it but they are adults. Just my opinion. I realize social media is here to stay and there are dangers everywhere that is life on life's terms and not under my control.

I think Anna has it right. You use an email, privacy settings, even create a password that only you can use to log them in when they are young. I started a FB page for my youngest when she was born, just for family and close friends. I have family and friends all over the world and it makes it fun for them to just see my Claire and not all my junk too. I post from her account happy bday, videos etc for them. She only has about 30 friends. And she can't be searched etc.

By the time your child can use a cell phone, computer etc they can create a FB page without you even knowing. They can be 9 years old, FB can't check. So if my kids when my kids wanted a FB page or Myspace etc. I let them but with supervision. This made us all happy. I knew most of their friends had one and so they wanted one. If I said no way... I felt they would probably figure out a way to make a fake account on another computer or smartphone etc.

Anna - posted on 05/18/2012

My daughter has had one when she turned 8, I blocked her from anyone searching for her. Her account is under my e-mail so anything posted I know about and I still even monitor some of her games because some you can chat with random people.

Cayla - posted on 05/17/2012

Well the rules say over 13. But who's actually followed the rules. I'd say at least 11 years ( if there mature enough).

Diana - posted on 05/16/2012

I am probably one of the only Americans left that does not have a Facebook and I catch quite a bit of hell from my friends (they all think I'm crazy for not wanting a FB)! I had one for a short period of time and deleted the account. I was so annoyed by all the negative posts about people and their lives, or what they had for dinner, when they took a shower and lots of other information I really cared nothing about! Call me old fashioned but I would much rather recieve a phone call or a letter, or even private email from friends or family. I feel like Facebook causes a lot of unnecessary drama, and is kind if dangerous, especially the feature where you can check yourself in, letting everyone know where you are and who you are with and if you click on the location you can even get a little map of where the location is exactly! I get really ticked when someone checks me in with them or posts pictures of me or my kids, it is my choice not to have a FB, so therefore please leave me and my family off of yours ;) I am not bashing anyone with a FB, which is the majority of the world and I realize I am the odd one out here, but too each his own! I have not YET had to deal with deciding when or if my boys can create a FB account but I am sure the conversation will happen soon, I was kinda hoping there would be no such thing as FB, twitter or any other social network...still keeping my fingers crossed..lol. I am pretty sure you have to be 13 to activate an account but to me that is still too young, I think children shouldn't be on FB period, the age should be changed to 18! People can go on and on about FB privacy and monitoring their childs page but you can never be 100 percent that it is private and that there is not some pervert on the other side of the computer. Call me paranoid, old fashioned, ignorant or whatever, but that's just my opinion! :)

Angela - posted on 05/14/2012

Well many many many many people are on FB that are not over 13. I am sure FB is aware of it but they cover their legal butts.

It is social media, kids of any age can meet anyone and they can be good or bad. At some point with out you around to supervise. They can be out playing,(not on a computer|) and oh no their is a pediphile ... A drug pusher etc.

Teach your kids what is approprite. and put on nanny security or programs that let you record every key they strike if you like. But know nothing on the computer or in society is safe.

Now in my opinion the age when my child can have her own FB page for her to use will be at least age 12 or 13 or when I feel she is able to understand what I tell her about strangers, safelty etc. Just as my now 3.5 year old knows to look before she crosses the street I still insist on her holding my hand because for her age impulse control is not developed well enough for her to see a cat or ball and get distracted.

The parent should use their judgement and as I said if you really don't want them to be on FB etc do not give them a smart phone, or computer.

I am so happy I made Claire a FB page she was only an infant, it only has family and close friends and I use the settings for privacy. Simple....yes I read them, and all the junk I agree to. She is too young to use it herself and does not even know it exsist really, I have full control of it and she is now 3 years old.

However do know if you kid has access to any computer/phone etc they can create a FB page with out your knowledge. Many kids use fake names, etc. I think if your kid wants one supervise but to just say no, you might end up not knowing anything that is going on. Or have a share page, kid and Mom's FB profile or family etc.

Jennie - posted on 05/14/2012

I have 4 kids 17, 15, 10 and 8. Believe me when I say, when my 2 older kids were younger I would say, not until they are in highschool. That did change though, but I can admit it. Our younger boys have asked for quite a few things. Cell phones, FB accounts, Kindles, DS's. I agreed to FB Accounts with these stipulations, which were agreed upon between their father and I. They can only get on, when one of us is in the room. WE set up the account. Our email addresses, we picked account names and passwords. If the password ever tried to get changed, we get notified through email and the account get closed. Even though we are present when they log on, to see if any new friends requested them. If they did, we look at their friends page first, to see what kind of things they are posting and what language they are using. If it is inappropriate, we don't allow them to accept them. I know, I know, what if they accept them later? That is why we have all the log in information. We go back in and check. And not just for that purpose. Maybe they have added an adult, an aunt, uncle, cousin, who does nothing but post stupid quotes that are inappropriate. I have no problem deleting those people as well...and we have.

For us, and this is just us, when FB and Myspace came out, we were not as educated about these websites when our older children were a few years younger. We have the opportunity to teach our younger children, to watch them, to educate them about these social networks better than we did with the older ones. We go onto Cyber Bully Websites...we teach them the right and wrong thing to do and if they decide they want to try and be silly about it...or argue about something, we delete the account. Knock on wood....we have not had a problem yet but the computer they are allowed to use is password protected...logged off when noone is on and in our office.

I will stand strong with the cell phone until they are off Teenage years...that doesn't mean 13 either. No Kindles yet...we still have a library we visit every 2 weeks. And no DS's or any other handheld game. We have a PS3 which is played for a certain amount of time, only after homework is done and if it isn't nice outside. It is a choice that is up to a parent and some decide no...some decide yes.

Deb - posted on 05/11/2012

The same as I said to another parent.
"Facebook requires a child be at least 13 yrs old. What are you teaching your child if you break that rule?
It pays for parents to read the rules before letting their child have any Internet accounts. You can be held liable for anything that child does that is against the law whether you are aware of it or not, becuase it was your responibilty to know."

Lovis - posted on 05/10/2012

i say a preteen but moniter them closely to make sure there not on nothing there suspose to be on.

Pandita - posted on 05/06/2012

12 and under

Pandita - posted on 05/06/2012

12 and under

Jennifer - posted on 12/17/2011

age 6 or 7

Proud - posted on 12/12/2011

The TOS say 13. I'm not into breaking rules so she's have to be at least 13 to have one :)

Momto3 - posted on 11/23/2011

Younger than 13 is too young to be on FB! The site allows for 13 & older to create an account. If you allow your child to create an account, you are "ok'ing" them to lie about their age to gain access to something they shouldn't be on to begin with. So, it's ok to lie to get what you want?? Yes, it's just a silly social site, what's the harm in lying on that, right? I disagree, nothing good can come from that. FB has an age limit for a reason. The problem with society is "everyone has one", "everyone's doing it", and the mindset seems to be if you don't provide your child with one (cell phone/Smart phone, FB acct), you are a bad parent or depriving your kid in some way. When I take something away/discipline my 13 year old, or call him out on inappropriate behavior, he will *sometimes* give me a hug, and say, "sorry mom, thanks, I love you ...." I know, weird, right? Kids need to know we care, set boundaries, (and yes) discipline them (even though they wouldn't admit it!). That's how they know they are loved and cared about. We confuse "needs" with "wants" in our society, and many kids don't have a clue how to distinguish the two (nor do their parents)!

Kia - posted on 11/18/2011

My son is 9 and I have allowed him to have a FB profile because he has his father's family that we are not very close to but he wants to stay in contact with. I monitor him very closely and check his profile as often as I check mine which is several times per day. I have it so that no one can just ask him to be their friend or just send him a message....he has to initiate contact and everything is set to family and friend's only so that no one can see anything. He is also not allowed to put a picture of himself as his profile picture, I don't even put a picture of myself on mine so I sure won't let him. He and I both choose an animal or phrase picture so that no faces are visible. Sometimes he will put a picture of his fave toy for the moment or video game or whatever but it isn't allowed to be any one in the family. I think as long as it is properly monitored it can be a great way to communicate with family members he doesn't get to see very much.

Dian - posted on 11/15/2011

We all have facebook at our house my daughter has had it since she was 9 more so for our family and friends could keep in touch and chat with her brother who was away at school. she new the rules that we all had to be friends She is now 13 and is more social with friends on facebook but it can be nasty Her friend was hacked and porn was showing up in news feeds that we had to delete her friend and call the mom. I have her password and check her posts and coments that friends make.

Ust - posted on 11/15/2011

Ugh...the rules state 13, but in my own personal opinion, I feel like they should be 18. I've seen some of the content posted and it's not very pretty. If that makes me seem old fashioned and conservative, so be it. I know there are children younger than 13, but I guess I question that as well. I know for a fact that If I allowed my younger children (under 13) to have an account, then they would ask me why I lied about their age? So, I think me and mine will wait!

Ust - posted on 11/15/2011

Ugh...the rules state 13, but in my own personal opinion, I feel like they should be 18. I've seen some of the content posted and it's not very pretty. If that makes me seem old fashioned and conservative, so be it. I know there are children younger than 13, but I guess I question that as well. I know for a fact that If I allowed my younger children (under 13) to have an account, then they would ask me why I lied about their age? So, I think me and mine will wait!

Sharlene - posted on 11/11/2011

A child should not have a profile face book at all.

Dawn - posted on 11/10/2011

I let my 2 oldest (9 and 10) have an account. But they are monitored VERRY closely by my husband and myself. First thing I did was posted a message to all my friends (and family) saying no adults were to add them. They ONLY have this account to play games w/their friends that are also 9 and 10. And I get on and check it every day. They get something that makes them happy, and I feel safe knowing that I know what's going on. :)

Nicole - posted on 11/07/2011

Hi Jen,
I guess it all depends on what you expect that your kids will do with it? my 9 y/o has access to a page. It is a secondary account I created for her, without her real name on it. She has only family members on it, is allowed on for about half an hour a day, and I have to approve all apps and games that she plays. She uses an e-mail that only I have access to so all notifications come to me. I did this so that she could improve on her typing, spelling and grammar, as well as keep in touch with family who is all long distance. ( Plus it keeps her off my pet society... LOL ) I guess what I mean is, She doesnt use it for social networking like most people would. Also I have her privacy settings so no one can add her, she has to add them, meaning if you type her name into the search bar at the top, you cannot find her to send a friend request to her... this way no Tom, Dick or Harry can pick her out and just add her willy nilly. She does seem to enjoy it. For the purposes of social networking, I dont think I would let her have her own page until highschool though, I just dont see the need for it. Hope this helps!! Good Luck!

Darlene - posted on 10/31/2011

wow what a good question! if they are not willing to allow you to moniter them on fb then they can get an fb account when they pay for the computer. Nothing good comes from keeping secrets. if you can trust your child then they wont have a problem with you having access to the account. im not saying you should creep on your kids every comment and pic but kids will be kids and it is our job to protect them even from themselves!

Rebecca - posted on 10/31/2011

me personally dont think anyone under the age of 17 should have one before of all the perverts that are on facebook. even 17 is to young.

Indya - posted on 10/18/2011

13 is too young and I don't think they will allow it if you aren't at least 14 or 15 anyway. If parents open an account for their children younger than the allowed age, you are teaching your children that it is ok to lie and be dishonest. This teaches them to ignore the rules when they want to get their way. I know it is tempting because some parents do this just so their kids can play the games but just keep this in mind!

Jennie - posted on 10/14/2011

I would say around the age of 13/14. That goes with cell phones for me as well. I have 2 older kids who are 15 and 16. They both got there 1st cell phone at 14, as well as a myspace/facebook account. But they did not get those accounts without restrictions. One of those was, if I feel as though I need to check it, I can. Without question. I have been lucky enough to not have any major problems with that. If and when I do, the computer and/or cell phone gets taken away.

Marie - posted on 10/14/2011

facebook has age limits and they must be followed are you can get banned. Facebook can block you by your IP Address and no one on that internet provider will be able to log on to facebook if they block your IP Address. 14 is the youngest that is allowed to have an account per facebook rules and state law.

Bonnie - posted on 10/14/2011

Marie, that's what the rules may be, but I know of at least a few kids between the ages of 10 and 12 that have an account.

I would say 13 is okay, but it would be wise to have it monitored.

Marie - posted on 10/12/2011

facebook rules say no one under 14 is to have a facebook account.

Debbie - posted on 10/12/2011

my family live a good distance so my kids talk to family on facebook they all have an account i also have 1 and have them on my list of friends and i have all sign in details and yes i do check not cos i dont trust them its other ppl i dont trust i also only allow them to us facebook in the same room as iam

Dana - posted on 10/11/2011

FB's TOS say 13yo... After that age, I believe it's up to the parents to monitor; making sure your child isn't doing/saying anything you don't want them doing/saying. For instance -- public postings of where they are, cussing, etc.

Robin - posted on 10/09/2011

According to FB, anyone under that age of 13. Many adults I know think it is OK to let their under 12 children (some as early as 6!) In order to create a FB page for your child, and if they are under 13, you have to lie about their age. Not happening in my home!!!

Christina - posted on 09/11/2011

I feel very strongly that my son (who is 11) will not have one at least until he is allowed by facebook and then maybe not until we think he can handle it safely. He has ADHD and Aspergers, so it's a little different for him. He has begged us to let him have one now, but I just feel there is a reason for the age limit even though some of his friends have one now.

Queen - posted on 09/11/2011

I would like to see the outcome of this one.

Jane - posted on 09/10/2011

I would think 18 would be more likely, because at 18 folks are typically legal adults who can make contracts.

Queen - posted on 09/10/2011

I just heard of others talking about banning FB to users under 21. Don't know how true it is.

Sonya - posted on 08/22/2011

My kids are six and seven and by the time they're 13, there will probably be a site with more appeal than facebook but right now I'm not inclined to violate the terms of a site's policy so my underage child can have a page. I don't think the interaction between youngsters and adults is appropriate on Facebook and I don't "friend" any minors. I use facebook as an extension of conversations I have with friends and family. My 13 year old niece abused her Facebook privileges and lost them. My cousins's 14 year old son has an account and I can't understand for the life of me why. Just my two cents.

Tracy - posted on 08/18/2011

According to Facebook, the answer is 13. However, I don't see any reason a younger child under parent supervision shouldn't be allowed a facebook. We use these to keep up with family members and friends around the world. The girls and I only play old fashion games and Everything (a game or educational flash cards that can be used like baseball cards)

Shanetta - posted on 08/05/2011

I have an 11 and 15 year old and they both want face book accounts and I think they are too young. Face book is where some youngsters are being bullied and talked about and I do not want them to think that it is OK for this type of behavior