I enjoy Facebook as much as the next person, so why shouldn't we let our kids use it? Aside from the obvious dangers of being cyberstalked by strangers, cyberbullying, and not understanding the true meaning of PRIVACY settings...they could also be targeted by advertising companies.
As if it is not annoying enough to be hassled by the kids when they see ads on TV, we now may have to contend with Facebook.
OK, advertising in Facebook is not new, but Facebook allowing preteens to use Facebook is (or will be soon), and this is where the concern of advertising to very young kids comes in.
Facebook does claim that they are taking the issue seriously and listening to recommendations, but what if this changes in the future? How do we really know our kids won't have ads targeted at them everytime they login? It is so easy for them to click on those ads and be taken anywhere on the Web.
It is every parent's responsibility to teach kids about cybersafety, and marketing goes hand in hand with it. It may be simple enough to advise teenagers on the wrongs and rights of advertising, but how do you explain it to a ten year old, or nine, or eight, or seven....?
I believe that it is important to teach our kids about using social networks as they are very good resources if you know how to use them safely, but I, for one, will not be letting young kids use Facebook if there is advertising popping up next to status updates from their friends. The digital world is confusing enough at a young age....and mummy's credit card just doesn't stretch that far!
If Facebook starts allowing kids under 13 to use Facebook, will you let your kids sign up? What are your thoughts on Facebook advertising to kids?
Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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