Facebook doesn't ruin your reputation...you ruin your reputation.

 

I agree. And Facebook is one of the tools people often use to ruin it.

Working in IT does have some things to do with it. I have seen more than a few malware breakouts as a result of Facebook because people have not yet (and in fact may never) adjust fully to not trusting each and every thing they see on a wall or in a Facebook message. It's like with e-mails how some still get fooled, but most people are generally aware that they need to have their guard up. Not so with Facebook.

 

For me personally, and what I would fear from a child of mine, is some of the extra and unnecessary headaches that come from Facebook. The thread title came from a comment I made in a thread related to a child being forced to give up their Facebook password by school officials and consequences including detention and suspension for random comments made by the child (relating to saying they hated a school official because they were mean and then later asking who ratted them out which resulted in the suspension). A coworker of mine had constant headaches related to Facebook stalking because both he and his girlfriend wanted to interpret every tiny piece of activity or comment made. And that's just the person that I was exposed to the most on that particular problem - I've heard it from more than one person otherwise that that was a problem. Things like that.

 

I'm not saying people can't use it and enjoy it. I'm just saying that IMO it's a Pandora's box that I feel I'm by and large happier shunning. And it's not just because I'm out of college now, I did the same while in college.

 

FB is a constant pain with my two kids but I believe I am better off knowing all the info that is on there vs. being in the dark. In other words, we all either roll with it or get left way behind.

I have Facebook and twitter and all of my kids have Facebook and twitter. I policed my daughter's(15) Facebook so much she doesn't use it anymore which is fine with me. She has been harmless on twitter. She lives with her mom but I pay her cellphone bill. I won. My youngest(12) son has been a model citizen. I also have his login info so and he knows as soon as he steps out of line Facebook/twitter is gone. My oldest(soon to be 18) son is strictly twitter now. Has been for the last year. He's not been a problem either. We've had some issues but nothing to the point to where I felt like they couldn't participate in social media.

I fall into the category of "they're under my roof and my care so I don't have a problem spying on their communications." I know what's going on. I know what chats they're having on FB. I know who they friend. I see pictures . All of this despite the fact I'm not "friends" with them.

 

DF, you're a smart guy. You can let them do their thing and it's probably harmless. However, you can monitor it and jump in if you see a problem.

Believe me, you can control anything you want to control. It all depends on how much discomfort the parent is willing to endure. Raising kids is hard work.

What are the ages of the children if you don't mind me asking?

I have a 9 year old girl who is dying to get facebook. WE told her the rules say 13. When you get 13 we will talk about it.

 

Of course when she is 13 there will be something else that they want to join.

What are the ages of the children if you don't mind me asking?

 

I am thinking DF is a virgin:D so we are talking about sometime in the far far future!

What are the ages of the children if you don't mind me asking?

 

No children yet, but working on that currently. Your earlier statement about maybe something different will be there in x number of years is very appropriate - I may never even have to worry about Facebook specifically. I may feel differently about something down the road.

I am thinking DF is a virgin:D so we are talking about sometime in the far far future!

 

You wound me to the core, sir, to the core!

I have a 9 year old girl who is dying to get facebook. WE told her the rules say 13. When you get 13 we will talk about it.

 

Of course when she is 13 there will be something else that they want to join.

 

Good call on your part.

Will you let them have BGP accounts?

 

I agree with your concern over malware and social engineering, but the worst social engineering is conducted by children on their parents. A lot can happen in 12 – 15 years.

No children yet, but working on that currently.

 

Some things we don't need to know...just saying.

Will you let them have BGP accounts?

 

I agree with your concern over malware and social engineering, but the worst social engineering is conducted by children on their parents. A lot can happen in 12 – 15 years.

 

The first line from our user agreement reads:

 

You must be at least 16 years of age to join BluegrassPreps.com, INC (BGP). If you are under the age of 18, you acknowledge and agree that you have received parental consent for membership on this site and that the contract for payment with BGP is with an adult on your behalf.

 

BluegrassPreps.com User Agreement

Will you let them have BGP accounts?

 

I agree with your concern over malware and social engineering, but the worst social engineering is conducted by children on their parents. A lot can happen in 12 – 15 years.

 

If they wanted a BGP account, I see no harm there. This is one of the best experiences you can have on the internet. Most importantly, it's moderated. And as theguru points out, there are age restrictions as well.

 

Some things we don't need to know...just saying.

 

:lol: