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Home > You & your teen > Articles

Social Networking

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Girl on laptopThere has been a surge in the number of users – young and old, on social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and Bebo - increasingly over the last couple of years. 49% of children aged 8-17 have an online profile according to Ofcom, who carried out a social networking survey on 5,000 adults and more than 3,000 children.

At Parentline Plus we have had a number of emails and calls from parents concerned with the amount of time their children are spending on computers, in line with the rise in popularity of social networking sites. Some say their child being on the computer causes arguments because not enough time is being spent interacting with the family. Others are worried about the potential dangers that arise from being online - a recent study by the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) showed that up to 34% of 12-15 year olds had experienced some form of cyberbullying. So what can be done about this, and how can you keep your child safe when they are online?

It is important to remember that if you are concerned that your teen has reduced the level of interaction they are having with their friends because of their presence online, that in actual fact, they are still communicating - just in another form. Sites such as Facebook and Bebo are giving children another forum to mix with their friends.

Tips for keeping your child safe online:


  • If you know your child is going online…Don’t Panic! There are ways of keeping them safe
  • Ask your teen to show you the websites they visit and what they do online
  • Keep the computer your child is using in a family room
  • Talk to your child about the potential dangers of going online and handing out personal details to people they do not know
  • Compromise – let your teen know that if they are going to be on the computer for a couple of hours they need to join the family at meal times
  • Look into parental control software that is available. These will allow you to restrict websites that your child can access and will also let you monitor your child’s online usage
  • Let your child know that it is never too late to talk about anything that is worrying them

For more information and support:


Listen to what teens had to say when we asked them about social networking sites and for Parentline Plus tips on keeping them safe online. (MP3 file)

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Comments



1. On 16 April 2010 19:57, momma wrote:

Joined Facebook & became a friend. The things they say...not your own, but those that don't think parents can see. Unbelievable and shameful, at 12/13! Plus messgaes from strangers! Be aware, thats all i can say. I have stopped Facebook, it's not suitable at this age. I limit computer to 1 hour per day and I'm not responsible for timing it, (responsibility for themselves) but notice, so an hour over means none the next day! If you think about it, 1 hour, plus homework, dinner, family chat, shower etc equals bedtime at 13. It does cause some hassle but worth it, to avoid addiction. I have seen kids on facebook during school day & at 12 to 3am, on a school night. iPhones & any with internet access make that possible, doesn't matter where the computer is, they can just use their phone, in bed, at school, wherever. I work in IT so I'm a bit informed but teens are far more tech savvy than adults. When I mentioned this at school (a good school, after some bullying by phone & Facebook messages) they had no idea...said, 'oh no, they can't access Facebook.' I explained about phones and they were surprised!

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