yes to control, but without exaggeration

Those with teenage children are certainly already confronted with one of the aspects of this super hi-tech society where life is increasingly social. Yes, social, but what about minors?

Let’s say right away that portals like Facebook should be prohibited for minors, in accordance with the rules in force. Indeed, this is not a place for children who can easily be victims of cyberbullying or pedophiles. In short, the web has nothing to do with a high mountain flower field in May.

But then, how should we behave with our children?

Ban is useless

If our children want to have a Facebook profile, they will have it, whether we like it or not. Can we stop them from using any device these days? Of course, it’s possible, but it’s the perfect key to open a beautiful door to hatred and misunderstanding. The more you forbid your children something, the more they will be tempted to do it.

Yes, darling, even yours who always says yes to you at home and who, when he goes to Mario’s, becomes a very normal teenager. It’s just a way of telling you to open your eyes and not think that you have perfect children, just normal children. Because wanting to have a Facebook profile is a perfectly normal thing these days. So basically, let’s try to play the complicity and trust card when we can.

Social parents, but with discretion

Having a Facebook profile also as parents is not a bad idea. In this case, we could ask our children to be friends. If it’s 10-12 year olds they’ll probably grant it, maybe relegating us to a list with some restrictions, but so be it. If, on the other hand, they do not grant it, and this happens in adolescence, other strategies must be found.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

As a general rule, parents should never, ever violate their children’s privacy, but when there is real danger, it becomes a duty to watch their children.

If we feel some discomfort in our child or if we suspect that there are problems, we do not wait too long to intervene. Let’s start investigating their friendships on Facebook right away. There are many methods, but they should really only be used when necessary and not to pry into their privacy. For example, you can access your profile if you have the password, or by installing software that allows parental control of web access for minors. Finally, we create a fake profile and ask them to be friends. Said like that, it’s horrible, but better that than running the risk of seeing them hurt.

Only in really necessary cases

The privacy of children is sacred and should be respected as such. Let’s not forget that we are their parents, but not their owners. Surveillance does not mean stalking and spying. The key to everything is, as always, common sense.