Social Media - How young is too young?

[arrjaypee]

My daughter is only 10 years old and last night she informs me that she has a Facebook site.

I'm not quite sure how to react, at first I instantly thought she should delete it, but now I'm not so sure. I'm not adverse to her using the internet, I completely trust her but I do just feel like 10 is awfully young! Has anyone had experience with this? Is it just a part of growing up or is it actually dangerous for her to be on social media so young!?

10 is far too young. The minimum age in the T&Cs is meant to be 13.

The issue isn't about trusting your daughter or not, it's about other people having access to her. If she has been able to set up a FB account without your knowledge I would advise you to start paying more attention to her Internet use.

You should, in my opinion know all of her passwords, and know which sites she visits. Moreover, and importantly, make sure all if her 'friends' really are who they claim to be. Please don't underestimate the lengths people go to to groom children!

IMO 10 is too young. Instagram is a big thing in my childrens school and I have banned my 11 year old, still in primary, from any social networking. I don't think that they have the maturity to deal with potential nastiness, I don't want them putting up in appropriate pictures but most of all I don't want them following or being followed by people they don't know. My friends think that I am over protective and it's fine as everyone does it but I feel very strongly that whilst I can I should protect them. They were not very happy when I said absolutely no social networking and we had tears for a day but they have never mentioned it again and when I have asked they have said they aren't bothered. I do allow email & Skype and have all passwords and all emails come through to me. I also randomly take devices to check they haven't opened anything behind my back.

I think the terms and conditions of each website are good starting points for age boundaries.

Of course, social media's content only reflects who you interact with. Only have nice people, only see nice content.

I found it helpful to lean on Facebook's own terms that you should be at least 13. And with my second I found I had good support from his older sister who told him in no uncertain terms that this is how it is, you are not allowed on Facebook until you are 13. Ds turned 13 in the spring but only set up his FB account last month. I do feel he is an awful lot more savvy and sensible than he was at 10.