11-year-olds posting films of themselves on Youtube - what are your rules?

[wadecollins]

Above says it all really. Do you let them post whatever they want? Not post at all? Or post with your approval? Interested to hear what others do and why. I am very wary of putting out stuff for the world to see (other than under an MN nickname!) but wonder whether I am being paranoid in my approach, as the parents of my son's schoolfriends are much more laid back about the whole thing.

My 9 yr old DS loves making videos, but we only let him put the ones up on You Tube that are Lego men (although it has his voice in the background), he is not allowed to post anything with real people in (in his case, him and his brothers). I'm just not comfortable with it. Can't explain exactly why - just think it's inappropriate....

It is probably better to allow kids to post under supervision than not post at all as by banning it you can be sure he will do it anyway!! Would be really good if you could talk openly about Internet safety and the importance if not posting identifying details. EG. Don't post a video which shows your house number, car reg plate or even a school uniform as these can be easily used to identify people.
Also I don't think your being anyway paranoid, it is important kids learn how to use social media safely.

Thanks both for your replies. I am reassured to know that I am not the only parent to feel cautious about these things. My son knows not to allow his name or address to be given out online. I must admit I myself had not really thought about the car reg thing, but will make that point to him. Re school uniform, one of the points my son has made to me is that photos of him appear on the school website. (I have previously ticked the box to say the school can do this.) His argument is what is the difference between photos of him appearing on the school website and Youtube posts with him in? Do you think I should make it a rule that he doesn't appear in school uniform in any Youtube films? My other argument to "what's the difference?" is that I am sure the school will be more conscious of security risks than a group of 11-year-old boys!

Not post at all. Ever.

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