Princess Zaria has been ill for the last few days. Between blowing her nose, taking medicine, sleeping and feeling BLAH-she has been on FACEBOOK. Some of my friends and family don't feel like she should be on Facebook. I rather her be on Facebook, than FaceBook For Kids....those kids are so brutal. LOL. Anyhoo, I guess I understand where everyone is coming from but I definitely monitor her page.
Daily, I check out what is going out and what is coming in. If there is a 'friend' that is spewing vulgar or inappropriate material, I make her delete him/her. Recently, I made her delete her 20 year old brother. He was saying things that were too delicate for her princess ears. Zaria 'likes' generic pages like Disney, Skittles, and HIP Hop Harry. She 'friends' her classmates and family members. She listens to YouTube videos from Justin Bieber, Willow and Cymphonique. What's so wrong about that?
Honestly, I use Facebook to network and connect with friends and she does too. There has been so many well wishes coming through her FaceBook page(mostly from close friends and relatives). I don't see anything wrong with it if is frequently monitored by ME. I definitely would like feedback on this. Do you think youngsters should be allowed to have a FaceBook page? Why or Why Not?
I believe that they should because when you allow them too, you can trust and stand in good faith that they are being good stewards over it but the minute you cut them off and dont give them the opprotunity, thats when they sneak and you really won't know what is going on. If you allow it, at least you can monitor it etc.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, my love—perhaps it depends on the kids, perhaps it's about the parents being stewards over their pages, perhaps it's about making sure that the folks who are their FB friends are doing what they need to do to keep it kid-friendly on their pages. I don't think FB for my kids would work, just because I know how I legislate my page; it's not meant for kids. Neither are the pages of my friends. And none of my girls' friends are on FB. So they'd be on it trolling around, likely seeing things I don't want them to see—that they're too young to understand. And there are enough outlets for kids on the internet that they don't have to be on FB.
ReplyDeleteI do respect your position, though, and definitely appreciate your staying on top of it!
Well, I think that you are teaching her how to use Facebook in a responsible manner. And honestly kids find a way to get on these sites when you're not around. My mom didn't even know my little sister had a Facebook account until recently. So, as long as you're monitoring her and setting rules I think it's ok.
ReplyDeleteYou said the key words - you are closely monitoring her page. Just be careful and make sure she's not allowed to go online at school or other places when you aren't around.
ReplyDelete@Dorethia and Yummmama Thanks for responding. I diligently monitor it and if and when I see something awry, believe me, I will snatch it in a New York minute :)
ReplyDelete@Denene As a children's author, I try to keep my statuses kid friendly. I have had to delete some of my 'friends' who post negative comments. I don't add everyone. But I appreciate your views. And as I stated to an earlier comment, when I see it taking a negative slant I will pull it with the quickness :) BTW, I love your blog and your writing style :)
ReplyDeleteKids these days are growing in a social media environment. I think be connected with you child about their facebook profile is better then learning they have secret profile unmonitored.
ReplyDelete@Nikki That's what I thought but so many people have so many opinions. Thanks for responding.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I think allowing Zaria to have a facebook page prepares her for the world. Technology is the here, right now and the future. Yes, of course WE all know that there are "Different People" with "Different Agendas" who use Social Networks like Facebook, Twitter, Linked In etc. It is up to us as a community/friends and family to not only look out for US on these Social Networks but for young people like Zaria. Cheryl, I realize that Zaria is your daughter and you will be checking on her post frequently, but I am your friend and I definitely will be checking out her post as well.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my nieces are in their twenties, however, I'm checking out thier friends on facebook as well. If I see something that's not appropriate I may in box them or just let my presence be know in a nice way :)
We can't always be afraid to let our young people explore the world, we should be their with them observering, teaching and protecting them as they walk this new journey...
Thanks Sandy. As a mom, I always want to shelter Zar from the 'weirdos' but I don't want to be so behind technology that she is at a disadvantage in life. Social media is the wave of the future. I appreciate you looking out for my princess. Two or three sets of eyes are always better than one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaylen. I think this will open her up to other opportunities. You are right, some kids sneak around behind their parent's backs. I hope we will always have a close and open relationship.
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents.....I won't allow my daughter to have a Facebook page for various reasons. I listened to some of the conversations that my daughters classmates have and find myself correcting some of their behaviors. In the privacy of my car or home is one thing but once it's out in public, it can't be stopped. My daughter is pretty good but some of her classmates and the things they speak about aren't! I would hate for her to get wrapped up in something for just making a simple comment. My daughter is 12 and things are more complicated than just 2 years ago. I know she wants a page, but FB will have to wait just a while longer. :) Great Topic Cheryl!!!
ReplyDelete@Felicia I truly understand your reservation. I just heard that there is a new social media site fore kids 12 and under called Together-something? Zaria tries Facebook Kids(similar to standard FaceBook) but those kids are mean so I had her delete it.
ReplyDelete