SAFELY SPOTLIGHT
Should parents lie to get their kids on Facebook?
by November 10, 2011 • 1:16 am
Researchers at Harvard find many parents lie about their kid’s age to help them get on Facebook.
Did you know kids under 13 aren’t allow to sign up for Facebook?
Facebook doesn’t let kids under age 13 sign up because of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA.
COPPA sets special rules for how websites can treat kids under 13. For example, you can’t collect a child’s name, email or phone number unless you can prove their parents say it’s ok. Websites are required to verify the parent’s identity using a credit card, signature or phone call.
Following the rules laid out in COPPA is very expensive. So, many websites like Facebook limit sign ups to people who are 13 and older.
Many parents help their kids fib about their age
Facebook’s age restrictions haven’t stopped young kids from signing up in droves. Over 50% of 12-year-olds and 32% of 10-year-olds have Facebook accounts. According to Facebook’s privacy czar, over 20,000 underage kids have their accounts deleted every day.
And for the most part their parents don’t care.
The study found 78% of parents believe it’s ok for their kids to sign up for a site even if they don’t meet the minimum age requirement.
Almost 3 out of 4 parents know their underaged kids have Facebook. And, of those parents, 68% helped their kids lie about their age to create Facebook accounts.
So, should you let your preteen sign up for Facebook?
It’s probably not a good idea to let your child fib about their age to get a Facebook account. Signing up under 13 is against the Facebook terms of service. It could result in the deletion of the account and a lot of frustration for your child.
That said, most parents see age requirements as optional. 93% believe parents should have the final say on when their kids can get on Facebook.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
When do you think kids should sign up for Facebook? Is it ok for parents to help kids lie about their age when they sign up?
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