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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Facebook is a social networking platform where users connect with friends, family, and communities. People can create profiles, share posts, photos, videos, and stories, join groups, follow pages, and communicate through messaging, with a news feed showing updates from their network. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Despite moderation and community standards, young people may still come across upsetting or unsuitable content on Facebook, such as violent material, adult themes, misinformation, or harmful posts shared through groups, reels, or links. Parents and carers should be aware that content can sometimes appear through friends or shared posts, so it’s important to talk regularly about what children see online, review privacy settings together, and encourage them to report anything that feels uncomfortable or concerning. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Facebook collects personal and usage data such as device information, activity, and sometimes location. Users may unintentionally share sensitive details through posts or by not adjusting their privacy settings. Profiles can be visible to a wider audience depending on settings, so it’s important to regularly review what information is shared and who can see it. 📍Location Sharing Facebook lets users add location tags to posts, Stories, and Reels. Although location sharing is off by default for minors and shows a reminder when switched on, sharing location details can still reveal where someone is or regularly spends time, such as at home, school, or activities. Parents and educators should encourage young people to think carefully before sharing their location and to review privacy settings regularly to help protect their safety. 📢 Moderation in Groups and Comments Conversations in Facebook groups and comment sections may sometimes include offensive language, misinformation, or harmful discussions, especially in larger or public groups where moderation can differ. Users may also come across trolling or fake accounts, so using reporting tools and checking group settings can help support a safer experience. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Although Facebook provides tools to block, unfriend, and report users, bullying or harassment can still occur through messages, comments, tagging, or friend requests. Fake or impersonation accounts may also be used to target young people, and negative interactions can sometimes continue across other platforms. If someone is threatening or sharing personal information, it’s important to report the behaviour, block the person, and seek support. Parents and carers should encourage open conversations so young people feel able to speak up, keep records of concerning messages, and contact appropriate support or authorities if needed. 💬 Direct Messaging Facebook Messenger allows users to communicate privately, which can sometimes expose young people to risks such as unwanted contact, harassment, or inappropriate messages. While privacy and safety settings are available, they may not always be used, so it’s important to review settings regularly and encourage safe communication practices. 🚨 Sexual Harassment & Grooming Risks There have been instances where individuals use features such as messaging or friend requests to build inappropriate relationships with young people. Someone may pretend to be a peer to gain trust and encourage private conversations or sharing personal information. Parents and educators should encourage young people to only connect with people they know and to report any behaviour that feels uncomfortable or concerning. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Scams Due to Facebook’s large audience and communication features, users may come across scams or people attempting inappropriate contact. This may involve suspicious links, requests for personal details, or conversations that feel unsafe. Encouraging young people to avoid interacting with unknown contacts and to report any concerns can help lower risks. 🚨 Misinformation & Harmful Content Inaccurate or misleading information can spread on Facebook through posts, groups, or shared links. Exposure to harmful or false content may lead to confusion or distress, especially during major events or crises, so encouraging critical thinking and checking information against reliable sources is important. |
SAFETY TIPS:
🛡️ Facebook safety resources for parents can be found here. 📲 Understand the app - Familiarise yourself with the platforms features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧 Parental supervision - Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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