PUBLIC OPINION > Kids Under 13 Should Not Be on Facebook
SodaHead Living
2012/06/06 22:00:00
Though Facebook doesn't allow kids under the age of 13 to register on the site, surveys have shown that many of them sign up anyway. That's why Facebook is developing a way to let younger kids make a Facebook account through their parents' account. That way their parents can keep a close eye on it and even control certain elements of the site, such as who their kids are friends with, and youngsters won't have as much reason to set up their own. We wanted to know how the public feels about this.
Sorry, kids, but the public has spoken. Even with parent-monitored accounts, most people think kids under 13 should stay off Facebook. The primary fear is simple: Online predators. Chris Hansen can't put them all away, and though reports of children actually meeting online predators are very rare, one instance is one too many.
Teens Stand Up for Tots
Age was certainly a factor, but it didn't turn out exactly how we expected. Most age groups only showed about 18%-23% support for allowing kids on Facebook, but two groups voted differently. Teens were the most permissive, presumably because they're closest in age to the kids we're discussing. But the 35-44 group was also oddly permissive.
Women Don't Want Kids Online
Female voters were a little bit more concerned about allowing younger kids to have Facebook accounts. Women do tend to be the nurturing ones, and we could also point out here that, based on what we've seen from "To Catch a Predator," there aren't very many female online predators on the prowl.
Liberals Might Let Them
The political spectrum played out pretty much how we expected: Liberals are a little more lenient, while conservatives were a little more protective. Liberals embrace new technology and new ideas, while conservatives are hesitant to head in that direction. Both approaches are necessary to ensure a safe, civilized society.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about kids on Facebook. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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aibohphobia 2012/06/06 23:01:05
+5I don't really think they should, because it's against Facebook's TOS. Also, most of the people that would be on it would say incredibly stupid crap, and there is already enough of that on facebook.
It doesn't matter how mature your 10 year old is, they should not be allowed on Facebook unsupervised. I like their idea of tying the account to the parents.
and the main reason i have fb is for catching up with family/friends who live in another part of the country or world from me. im not saying young kids wont miss people but it is easier for them to write a letter or call, but teens and olds dont have the time, generally.
Let your neighbors talk to them right?......you never know who's living next to you!!!!......................... never know!
Kudos to FaceBook for bundling youngster's accounts with their caretakers.
Kacy: long day in 3rd grade. Stupid Mary stole my crayons. Ain't no one steal my crayolas.
Mary: no I didn't
Kacy: yes you did you butthead
Mary: I'm telling my mommy!
Kacy: good. She can buy me some new crayons.
I don't can that Madison is mad at the world and decides to cuss out (well not sure who she was cussing out).
Damn.. did I mention I hate facebook?
In fact Facebook should be taken off of the web it destroys too many relationships, marriages, friendships etc. In my opinion it is the worst thing to happen to the internet since the internet was created. Because now we are all fat lazy slobs. Myself included.
I surely think that Facebook should not allow. 16 and up, not younger