Reading Children's Facebook Page

[smurfchops]

The powers that be recommend that we read our childrens' Facebook page to check up on them, their photos and what they are writing. How on earth are we supposed to do this without Friending them ?? Sniffs of Big Brother to me ...

[woofgang]

How old kids are we talking about?

[NOX]

I personally would never dream of doing that, I think it's invasive, rude and shows a lack of trust of your kids, which in turn gives them ppointers that this sort of behaviour is okay. If you've done a good job and theyre sensible wee adults then you don't need to do this.

[B00]

By taking note of their passwords and logging into their accounts.

If you just friend them,you still won't see any private messages they might get or send.

[rockyracoon]

I have access to my kids FB accounts, it was a condition of them having it. When I feel comfortable enough I'll give up and let them change their passwords.

[Mick-Talbot]

I have never felt the urge to look at my eldest kids Facebook page, even though the opportunity has been there on many occasions. I trust them and know they would not 'friend' a total stranger.
I did close down my other sons FB account simply because imo he wasn't old enough to have one.

[Prudie]

I think their age is critical here.It's far too ideal to think that if you've brought them up properly then they can't fall foul of anything. Probably up to 15 I'd expect to have the log-in details. It's more about what others are putting on there - I wouldn't read a diary for example.

[sherrardk]

My son knows that we reserve the right to have a look on his computer, we haven't, but that was the deal for him having a computer in his room.

[Answerprancer]

I totally agree with NOX on this.
Then again Prudie says "I think their age is critical here" which I sort of agree with too. I think FB 'suggests' a minimum user age of 13 but, as we all know kids mature at different rates, I've met a fair few 12/13 year olds that were solidly savvy but I've also met 19/20 year olds that had the emotional maturity of infants. One size doesn't fit all IMO.

[woofgang]

You judge your own kids but i reckon under around 14 I would be wanting their login details...maybe not using them but reserving the right....then up to older I'd be respecting their privacy completely. Keep in mind that if you are the bill payer for the broadband or the phone bill, dodgy downloads, internet piracy and so on will all land in your lap.