Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org) provides family reviews and ratings of media and entertainment choices for kids and families, including movies, television, video games, websites, books and music. But how reliable is Common Sense Media?
Let us look at Common Sense Media’s review of the popular networking site Facebook
Common Sense Media says, “Facebook.com One of the safest social networking places around. Parents need to know that, as social networking sites go, this is one of the safest ones around.” They recommend facebook for teens 13+.
I strongly disagree.
Facebook is like any other social networking site. It was originally created for college students, but it has now become a phenomenal for high school students as well.
Facebook members frequently post pictures of themselves drinking alcohol and encourage their friends to do so too.
Recently, law enforcement officials have been reported to be monitoring photos and material posted on the discussion boards of facebook.com.
Facebook recently admitted to privacy flaws when it was pointed out by a blogger that users may have been unwillingly been exposing certain personal details on the site.
In other recent news a suspect was accused of using Facebook to prey on minors.
Parents who think Facebook is safe really need a wake up call in my opinion.
I was shocked that a site such as Common Sense Media who lists themselves as being dedicated to improving the media and entertainment lives of children and families would rate a site such as Facebook.com safe for those 13 to 16. What were they thinking?
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Rose DesRochers
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I agree with this article. I’ve been a member of Facebook for more than a month and I’ve seen accounts with inappropriate content for young teens.
It’s almost impossible to find a networking site that is appropriately tailored to young adults.
Kudos to your blogging. BTW, Ping commonsensemedia.org and see what’ll they say about what you’ve written.
Thanks for posting this, Rose. I’m not all that familiar with Facebook, but I’m appalled at the number of friends of my 11-year-old daughter who have MySpace accounts (right alongside my thirty-something sister and all those fifty-something men who send messages to ME). Parenting is getting more complicated by the day, and it’s tough to know what kind of opinions and reviews you can rely on–I’m erring on the side of caution and testing everything out myself before my child gets access!
Like anything, you have to be careful on Facebook. I’m careful about what I post.
Thanks for your comments on our review of Facebook. (I am the editor in chief of Common Sense.) Please note that we reviewed it as a PAUSE for kids 13+. That does not mean it’s recommended. It means that material may not be suitable and parents should pause before letting their 13 year olds use it. To see the full review, look at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/Facebook.html
Liz, it states Facebook.com -One of the safest social networking places around. How can you even label this website safe?
Quoting from your review “Parents need to know that, as social networking sites go, this is one of the safer ones around.”
Therefore, you are saying that it is safe. The site is far from safe!