FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
Facebook lets you connect with others and share things like comments, photos, videos, live streams and enter Facebook rooms through your own profile page.

WHAT WE SAY:
Safe.

For those over 13, but discuss safety tips with children.

• Facebook is actually a pretty attractive social platform for educating children on what social media is all about​.
• Facebook enables users to play games, share lives videos, publish stories and enter Facebook rooms.
  
• Facebook is connected to Facebook Messenger and Instagram. 
• Children and young people must be educated on 'friends' and ensuring they are only connecting with 'real-world' friends, especially if private messaging. 
• Facebook now has a new dating app feature and therefore parents/ carers should be aware of this, especially when deciding if your child can use Facebook. The dating feature is for those aged 18+. 

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Always use privacy settings, make sure children and young people understand what constitutes as personal information that they should not share online. 
• Seeing inappropriate or upsetting posts or pages that are shared - ask children and young people to tell you if anything goes wrong. But also encourage open conversations around their internet use generally. This helps adults to stay informed and in control, keeping your child safe. 
• Explain the risks associated with streaming a live video to an unknown audience - personal information could be shared.
• ​Live videos can receive responses which can mean that inappropriate content can be sent - ask children and young people to tell you if anything goes wrong​. Also make sure they use their device in a room whereby adults at home are present.
• Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 

FURTHER SUPPORT:

For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. 

If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. 

If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 

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 Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips.

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