Suggestons for Teenagers on Facebook.

Individuals who are over the age of 14 are eligible to use Facebook so there is a large congregation of young people who are creating and maintaining Facebook pages. However, teenagers that use the Internet to meet chums are possibly more at risk than adults who use the Internet for socializing and networking. This is due to a number of factors including teenagers being more trusting of others and unaware of the potential of harmful consequences and predators specifically looking for teenagers on the Facebook community.

Parents Need to Stay Involved
One of the best ways mum and dads can help to protect their teenagers on Facebook is by staying involved in the child's life. Mothers and fathers should be aware of whether or not their youngster has a Facebook profile and if the youngster has created a profile the mum and dad should let the child know they will be reviewing the profile frequently.

Then mum and dads should follow up on their vow to check the profile periodically to ensure the youngster is not engaging in questionable activities or interactions. teenagers who know their mum and dads will be viewing their Facebook website are less likely to make poor choices when designing their website. Also, mum and dads who view their child's Facebook website regularly will see the chums the youngster is making and can put a stop to any potentially harmful relationships such as budding romance with an adult member.

Young People Should be Taught Internet Safety
Although the Internet is a great resource for teenagers and they can learn a great deal through socializing with others online, teenagers should understand the Internet can also be full of predators. The Internet allows users to disguise their identity if they wish to do so and as a result those who use the Internet might be putting themselves at risk when they befriend these predators.

Providing teenagers with basic Internet safety rules can help to protect them. Some of the rules mum and dads should enforce for teenagers include the following:

* Do not give out personal information such as full name and address.
* Do not send photos of yourself without your mum and dads' approval.
* Do not agree to meet someone in person without your mum and dads' approval.
* Do not respond to threats or other forms of harassment. Instead report these occurrences to your mum and dads or Internet service provider.
* Do not enter online areas which require additional fees without your mum and dads' approval and do not give out credit card information without your mum and dads' approval.

Offline Meetings Should be Chaperoned by a Trusted Adult
Teens who meet chums online may want to meet with their online chums in person. Meeting online chums in person can be a wonderful experience but it can also be dangerous especially in situations where the online chum has deliberately concealed his or her real identity.