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My 6th grader was given a computer at school this week, should I let him get FaceBook now?

By Lisa Ludlow Archer

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Live Love Homes-Keller Williams, Charlotte, NC Ballantyne Area

February 06, 2011 09:39 AM

This week Union County Public Schools started their pilot program they are dubbing the 1:1 Laptop Initiative Program where Sixth grade Middle School students are getting Dell laptops.

The purpose of the ininitiative is to promote global awareness, encourage success and help the students prepare for the future. Last week, Piedmont Middle School 6th graders all received Dell Netbooks. As part of the ininitiative, students and parents had to attend a mandatory family computer night. During these sessions, students and parents will learn how to care for their laptop, guidelines for Internet usage, and school policies and procedures regarding the computers. One of the key items the students will learn is how to be safe on the Internet.

During the Internet Safety portion of the meeting, the program was discussing Social media and mainly Facebook. I personally love Facebook but my 6th grader is turning 11 this week and I am just not so sure that I want him to be so exposed.

What do you think about a 12 year old having Facebook?

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Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh

Century 21 New Millennium - Upper Marlboro, MD

A doctor who makes house calls.

I would be nervous about a young child having facebook but I may be just overly cautious.

Feb 06, 2011 09:41 AM

Kristi DeFazio

RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

My 11 year old and 14 year old both have FB accounts. I have their passwords and they know it. I am also thier FB friend so they really can't get into trouble. THe rule is, if I see anything inappropriate, it is gone-the 11 year old maybe gets on once a month. THe 14 year old does get on but doesn't interact that much, probably because he knows mom is watching. :) It is a diffucult decision. Good luck.

Feb 06, 2011 09:44 AM

Nancy Fraser

Exit Realty Premier - Massapequa Park, NY

Realtor, Massapequa Homes for Sale 516-729-0278

Lisa, I would keep them off as long as you can and then do as Kristi said, be their friend and KEEP WATCHING.

Feb 06, 2011 09:56 AM

Scott Godzyk

Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH

One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

simply too young....

Feb 06, 2011 10:20 AM

Michael Kitsch

Coldwell Banker - Katy, TX

In a word - NO!!!

Feb 06, 2011 10:37 AM

Lisa Ludlow Archer

Live Love Homes-Keller Williams, Charlotte, NC Ballantyne Area - Waxhaw, NC

I have been struggling with his asking for almost 2 years now. It has been a non stop begging fest.....

Feb 06, 2011 11:14 AM

L. Ludlow

Keller Williams Charlotte,NC Ballantyne Office - Monroe, NC

Team Ludlow Realty

I still vote for NOT yet, but that is just a Granpa's opinion

Feb 06, 2011 12:06 PM

Leesa Finley

RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC

RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

I TOTALLY understand the hesitation! My son just got an account in December (he's 11) and I have the password, I am his "friend" and I monitor who asks to be his friends, etc. It's working so far.........

Feb 06, 2011 01:09 PM

TERI LINDSAY

Reno, NV

STAGELIGHT HOME STAGING CO.

Just because your son is 11, doesn't mean that he will be "in touch" with just his age group. As a new member of facebook ( I am almost 60), and having my kids friends on my "newsfeed", I am amazed and sometimes offended by the language and what the discussion can be...... would he be connecting to older teen cousins, etc.???? I say NO! And if you really want a reality check on teen activities watch a episode or two of "SKINS" on MTV!!!! And then be scared..... really scared that teens are involved in such activities!

Feb 06, 2011 01:35 PM

Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089

Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI

Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

I think Facebook is probably the least of your worries. What about the rest of what's out there? How can you keep tabs on that? You should probably supervise their usage and don't let them spend too much time searching around on their own.

Feb 07, 2011 08:36 AM

Georgina:

I think you are right about this.

Feb 07, 2011 09:32 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Well, I have some experience in this area... my kids are 12 and 13. They have been on facebook for quite some time now. They are friends with me (of course) so that I can check their status and I always check on their friends as well. As a matter of fact, most of their 'true' friends are friends with me as well (their choice not mine). I dont have 'complete' control because you have to trust they will make good choices. Certainly you will have those friends that are free with the mouth, but my kids know better. They post tasteful picture and have lots of fun talking with their friends. With the right guidance, facebook is harmless. Make sure he's not making friends with people he does not really know, and dont post things like 'im home alone' and he should be good. The rest is up to you to monitor. Since you are on facebook already, it shouldnt be too much additional effort.

Feb 08, 2011 06:00 PM

Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Lisa- better with your blessing and supervision that behind your back. I am a firm believer of letting kids have with supervision if they act responsibly. Set limits, watch carefully, if they do something you don't like take it away for a week. The second time for a month. And at that age I would "approve" all friends. Until she was about 15 Abigail had to be on the computer in the family room if she was on a social site. Of course she could research for home work in her room, but she couldn't close her door while on the internet.

Feb 11, 2011 04:09 PM

Thank you John and Tammy

I appreciate your insight.

Feb 12, 2011 03:08 AM

My 6th grader was given a computer at school this week, should I let him get FaceBook now?

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