For the first time, Facebook is considering allowing children under 13 to join the social networking site, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal. But a study last year by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found Facebook is already full of children younger than 13. According to the report, 46 percent of 12-year-olds are already using Facebook despite the prohibition, either with their parents’ permission or by lying about their age.
The Wall Street Journal reports Facebook is researching policies and new technologies that will keep young children safe while using the page. Possibilities include giving parents control over their child’s account by linking the parent and child accounts together. Parents would then be able to make decisions about who their child is interacting with on the site and what applications the child uses.
A story in PC World says many parents already allow their young children to use Facebook under supervision. But the new policies could make it easier for parents to control what their children do on the site.
Photo from: Internet Safety for Kids Today
hmmm.. I’m no expert, but isn’t that against federal law? Would they have to move their base outside of the United States? Is it that they currently don’t require parental permission for anyone? Most sites you can already access by stating that you have parental permission. Are they considering doing that?