Technology

Should Facebook Officially Open Itself Up to the Under 13 Crowd?

NEW YORK (The Blaze/AP) — Though Facebook bans children under 13, millions of them have profiles on the site by lying about their age. The company is now considering opening up the site to the pre-teen and younger age group with many weighing in on the pros and cons.

Although it states this may never come to fruition, the company is testing out ways to allow younger kids on its site without needing to lie. It would be under parental supervision, such as by connecting children‘s accounts to their parents’ accounts. That would allow Facebook to comply with federal regulations — the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act – regarding children under 13 online.

Facebook Looking Into Ways to Potentially Open Facebook to Pre Teen and Younger

Facebook explains from the get go why users must provide their birthdate. (Image: Facebook screenshot)

The Wall Street Journal reported on the development in Monday’s editions.

In a statement, Facebook says it is in an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, regulators and other policymakers about how best to help parents keep their kids safe online. Forbes has more from the WSJ report with more specifics as to how Facebook could achieve this:

Based on the WSJ report, it sounds like Facebook plans to offer parents free monitoring software, similar to products currently on the market such as Safely’s Social Monitor, offered by Location Labs. According to the WSJ, Facebook would give parents control over who their kids friend, what apps they can add, which games they can play, and importantly, how many Facebook credits they can spend.

One of the benefits of Facebook access to younger individuals, PC World notes, is keeping in touch with relatives, such as grandparents:

Often, these are older users who may have purchased a PC and gone online for the sole purpose of joining Facebook to stay connected with kids and grandkids across the country or around the world.

While more kids should take the time to compose handwritten letters, draw pictures on actual paper, and mail them in stamped envelopes using the old-fashioned postal system to their grandparents, those quaint days are all but dead. The way grandkids communicate and share with grandparents is online–and generally that means Facebook. As long as there are mechanisms in place to protect chidlren from online predators, and safeguard privacy, Facebook is an ideal platform for grandparents and grandchildren to keep in touch.

Larry Magid, co-director of ConnectSafely.org, writes an opinion in the Huffington Post saying it could actually be safer for the under 13 crowd if Facebook were to develop official channels to allow them on the site. Magid recommends there be additional privacy protections, no collection or storing of personal data other than the essentials necessary for the site, and no ads should tweens be allowed on.

Wired, on the other hand, includes the opinion of those who are against Facebook being open to a younger audience:

“What Facebook is proposing is similar to the strategies used by Big Tobacco in appealing to young people – try to hook kids early, build your brand, and you have a customer for life,” said a statement from James Steyer, the CEO of Common Sense Media, an organization known for taking a protective view of children on the internet.

In a live blog hosted by the Wall Street Journal writers, the commenters posed a cynical view of Facebook’s motives as well. In addition to just wanting to grow in user numbers, the site has in recent years amped up its games and other apps for which the younger group is a ripe audience. Even still, some parents also point out that they don‘t think it is Facebook’s responsibility to supervise children on its site, but parents who should be the primary monitors.


Comments (51)

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  • blanco5
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:30am

    I have taught my kids well…..they love to make up information on their “lives.” They have quite an imagination!

    Report Post »  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:37am

    Make it only for 13and under .

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • Docrow
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:08am

    I really don’t care at what age Facebook allows users to join. My 16 year old daughter still does not have one.

    Report Post » Docrow  
    • Sorocialism
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:21am

      Yes she does…you just don’t know about it.

      Report Post »  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:20am

      No parent should be proud that their child is getting left behind during the technological revolution. It’s like a parent saying, “I don’t care what age they teach reading in schools, my child’s 16 and still illiterate!”

      Social networking is make or break in the job world. You don’t have a LinkedIN, Facebook, Google+, or Twitter? Then yes I would like ketchup on my burger, thanks!

      It’s called “Klout” (sic) and just because you don‘t know about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:35am

    This is a decision for parents; and the vendors to have appropriate controls in place. Like helmets for bikes.

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • h20sue
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:51am

    In my opinion, it’s a dangerous place to go on the computer. If you have to tell the world when you last went to the bathroom, take out an ad… I wouldn’t think of allowing any child to use this, much less a 13 year old. Look at the criminals also using it….. Do people have a “death wish”, or maybe they just want to see themselves on the news ( a statistic). Sorry Mark, but I think it was a huge mistake…. You might be RICH, but what could have been a beautiful way to communicate is always ruined by criminals as they can find a way to make it dangerous.

    Report Post »  
    • lassiegirldawn
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:57am

      I quit my Facebook account when I was trying to be befriended by people you could tell were in jail.

      Report Post »  
  • lassiegirldawn
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:49am

    Are you kidding, they already do. I know people who have kids that have had a Facebook account since they were eight years old and who helped them, their stupid parents. Why do you think Facebook is a pervert pedophiles dream. As long as there is internet, you will never be able to keep kids off, especially with idiot parents out there.

    Report Post »  
  • Teufel Hunden
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:30am

    Personally I think they should limit Facebook access to those 70 and older. You know, for retirees who don’t have anything else to do.

    Report Post » Teufel Hunden  
  • mr.goodvibe
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 11:54pm

    I never got lured to a park and fondled by a cigarette.

    Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
  • skunk
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 11:50pm

    Microsoft has a decent policy in place for the underage on their live service. Facebook should consult with them.

    Report Post »  
    • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:34am

      ALL email companies that I’m aware of require users to be over 13. That’s just for email. I know this because I tried to see if Facebook was going to be safe for my little niece. Seems another niece (14 years old) had signed up my younger nieces (7 and 8) without parental consent. I was going to create an email that my sister in-law would control and connect it to the facebook account (if it wasn’t too inappropriate). I looked at MSN, GMAIL, and Yahoo!. All three said just for an email account you have to be 13. After reviewing facebook it was far too adult oriented for a young child. Unfortunately, my Brother disagreed and let my nieces keep the accounts anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:56am

      What I forgot to include was since all email companies require you to be 13 or over, it means the Atheist Suckerberg is trying to change child protection laws. Atheists have no moral constraints. I’m glad I quit Facebook for good.

      Report Post »  
  • MetalDad1973
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 11:30pm

    As a Parent my 14 year old is on Facebook. As a Parent it is MY job to monitor her online activities.
    My Wife and I have her password and she is only allowed on the computer when we are present and during the time we allow her to be on. This allows her to be in contact with her friends and our Family that live out of state. Are there perverts out there? Absolutely, that said, we monitor who her friends are on Facebook and all conversations… It’s our job as her Parents.

    Report Post »  
    • lassiegirldawn
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:55am

      My grandson is fifteen and a half, and lives with us. When he used his laptop, it is either in the same room as his grandfather or me. He is limited to the time spent and gets it taken away for not doing homework and getting at least C grades. I also have his password and the day it doesn’t work he will get it taken away.

      Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 11:18pm

    I vote not they should not open up to people that young. Those on there who are older pose enough danger to the ones who are older than “under thirteen.” This is about foolish.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • TwilightWarrior
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:35pm

    No no no! Those young girls are so impressionable to perverts. Whether they’d admit to it or not, older men are alluring. If a man tells her she’s pretty, she’s happy to believe him. These men will take advantage of them, and maybe even ruin their lives long term. Granted those who will lie will lie about their age don’t give these kids more reason though to ruin their lives.

    Report Post » TwilightWarrior  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:17pm

    I would not allow a young child of mine to have a Facebook page. They can socialize in school and with neighborhood kids. They can join the virtual world when they are older.

    Report Post »  
  • VoteBushIn12
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:41pm

    That’s like asking if 13 year olds should have cell phones and email accounts.

    The answer is yes! No damage every came for increasing channels of communication especially when it can be monitored for appropriateness as it is through Facebook. I have been a Facebook user for 8 years and I have never once seen something that wasn’t inappropriate for a kid (except some pictures of myself and statuses of my friends).

    The point being the content is user driven so it wont be any worse than what the kids would talk about offline.

    Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:02pm

      The point is that you’re not too smart. Every picture posted on Facebook gets uploaded to the CIA. The CIA runs it through “face recognition” software. Suppose you took your wife to a bar for a drink. You say “Honey, let me take a picture of you because you are so beautiful.” You snap the picture with her and the rest of the people at the bar. Then you post it on Facebook because you are so proud of it. The CIA runs it through their software and database and, lo and behold, the guy standing next to her is a terrorist. So she gets flagged as a terrorist. Then they associate all of her “friends” as terrorists, also.
      Eight years, huh? I wonder what the CIA has on you.
      I “borrowed” this from below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6wdS-QEWL8

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:16am

      @RAMONPRESTON

      A) Why you think the CIA has anything to do with Facebook is beyond me

      B) Facebook has its own facial recognition software so it doesn’t need to piggy back on the CIA for that technology

      C) If it was the case that the CIA had some huge campaign to identify terrorist cohorts, don‘t you think they’d be smart enough to identify the context of the picture also?

      D) – And Most Importantly – This article is about 13 year olds – people who do not have wives, attend bars, or socialize with terrorists so your entire premise is irrelevant.

      Clearly you’re an idiot.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
  • RamonPreston
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:37pm

    Go ahead. The CIA needs to collect their information, also. Anybody that is smart stays off Facebook.

    Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:05pm

      But goes online? AND uses a market driven, cookie stacked sight like The Blaze?

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
  • chips1
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:25pm

    Hear that noise? That’s either a buffalo stampede or the perverts rushing to their computers. They are in desparate need of increasing their numbers.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Until there is a Constitutional Method to eliminate Perversion… I would rather that they are on the Internet & Congress… rather than prowling the streets & neighborhoods!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • florida123
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:02pm

    Its the parents responsibility! If the parent isnt paying attention to what their child is doing age doesnt really change anything! Parent buys the computer, phone or laptop and they pay for the internet connection therefore they are 100% responsible for what goes on with their electronics!!!!!

    Report Post » florida123  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:07pm

      Exactly… the job of a Parent is to Teach & Educate!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • jujubeebee
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:49pm

      While the parent responsibility is true I don’t believe that children under 13 should be involved in facebook. Children can get around parents and alot of harm can be done. I don’t like it. A parent cannot possibly be responsible fore every single thing that is done by a child. There should be no need for this. It can lead to bullying and other things worse than that. The internet is forever and I don’t want to see a child have something out there they cannot take back or erase. All children have access to computers now. They can get on there and do stuff without their parents having a clue. We can pretend that good parents would have 100% control but the reality is they cannot.

      Report Post »  
  • toomuchgovt
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:57pm

    40% of facebook user are spammer, with identify theft rampant why should anyone provide their real name or real age to any website? When providing a credit card, I believe the responsibility lies with the website to protect the users identity. What makes facebook so special that we must provide a real name? It is a parents responsible, not facebook or the government to raise their children.

    Report Post » toomuchgovt  
  • another pucker
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:56pm

    I would say watch this video! And I say ditto! No one should be on Facebook except LIBS! Everything in this video is exactly how I have felt about Facebook I just don’t have a megaphone.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6wdS-QEWL8

    XOXOXO

    Report Post »  
  • perry1980
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:49pm

    Actually face book should be off limits to anyone under 16. That would take care of bullying problems too.

    Report Post »  
  • salvawhoray
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:48pm

    30% say yes, I bet those are Obama voters.

    Report Post » salvawhoray  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:04pm

      Or… Libertians… Constitutionalists…

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:43pm

      @LukerW

      Correct! Thank you for not being blinded by your hatred of the left to ignore the rights of private industry!

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • Kisses6350
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:46am

      My goodness, give that shid a rest please! Can u go one day without mentioning Obama? You can not blame the man, or anyone who voted for him for the problems of the world! Step back and get a hobby! Sew something!Cook something! Join a cult, but just hush! Even you must be sick of looking at your own font! ***Smirks***

      Report Post »  
  • julie w
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:47pm

    Facebook can do what they want….parents CAN tell their kids “No”.

    Report Post »  
    • Tired of Code Names
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:07pm

      The lure of the demonic left is very attractive for young kids…no matter now much you teach them up front. Facebook is not inherently bad. It’s how it ends up being used. The vile usually turn up and ruin a good thing for everyone.

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:46pm

    They are still looking for a Virgin!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • THXll38
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:45pm

    It should be up to the discretion of the parent to allow their kid on Facebook. If their kid lies about there age there is not much one can do about it. After all, people been lying about their age since the beginning of time.

    Report Post » THXll38  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:40pm

    I would say yes…if I had been dumb enough to buy some of that overpriced stock.

    But since I put my money in Organovo instead, I will have to say no.

    BTW, Organovo’s IPO opened at $1.00 a share in late february and as of this writing is at $5.12 a share. That was a quick $4,000.00 profit : )

    Report Post »  
    • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:43am

      Dork! In a few sentences you‘ve proven you’re a godless Leftist. Nobody cares about your immorality and depravities. This conversation is for adults only. If you had children that were near and dear to you your opinion may be relevant. This isn’t MSNBC, kid.

      Report Post »  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:03am

      @ ThatsJustCrazyTalk

      Sorry if I still believe it is MY job to protect my kids, and MY responsibility to raise them properly.

      My kids are not interested in FB as we are a small community and their friends are plentiful and live nearby. FB to them is like having a penpal in Sweden, may be fun for a month…but what’s the point.

      Spend time with your kids each day and stop expecting the government or company’s to do YOUR job for you.

      Report Post »  
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