Yes, my mother is on Facebook and Twitter.
For most people my age (and younger) it "freaks" them out (for lack of a better word) to have their parent(s) on Facebook.
Personally, I don't mind.
My mother is my best friend and she is no fool.
There isn't anything on Facebook she didn't already know, hear, see, read or have a hunch about (kids: your parent's aren't stupid; they already know).
So when my mother set-up her account I immediately began to show her the ropes.
This reaction is not normal, I know.
There are several reasons why children are uncomfortable with their parents being on social networking sites, the biggest (and should be the most obvious) is the fact that the site's are "social", they are meant for pleasure, friends, and networking.
Most people don't equate parents with that.
So having their parents present is almost an immediate threat to a child's online fun/entertainment.
But children (no matter your age) you still have a responsibility of your online reputation and behavior.
Facebook is a public domain.
Many tweens have been punished offline for their online behaviors...
So this will not be a sacrificial article just about parents on Facebook.
I believe in equal opportunity *grin* Etiquette For "The Child" Many people (adults and children) are still in denial that college admissions councilors, security investigators, hiring managers etc.
search social networking sites to vet applicants.
No, your parent may not be a security agent but it is still good to know how and what they are thinking when it comes to social networking.
Communication is a two-way street.
You have a role and a responsibility in how you and your parent interact online.
Anything you write, your parents will see.
Don't get upset if they see it! Generally speaking, parents tend to get more emotional about who does and does not accept their friend requests.
So yes, I'm telling you that means you have to be their friend.
Your parent's do not know your inside jokes.
When they see comments from your friends that seem vulgar and/or offensive do not become hostile with your parent for being concerned.
More importantly, do not lie to them! If it was a sincere joke, tell them, if someone is being a cyber-bully you need to be up front about that as well.
Because you are friends with your parent(s) on Facebook that does not mean that you no longer have communicate with them in person, via email, or on the phone.
Sorry.
It is not the same to them.
If you are concerned about your parent friend requesting your friends, discuss it with them immediately.
Talk about what your concerns are and why you feel that way.
Understand the world of communication has changed and will continue to change.
Your parents may not always know and understand technology changes as they happen but they will move with the times.
We all will.
One day, it will be you trying to keep up with your child.
Remember, they care about you and are doing the best they can.
Etiquette For Parents Some children just cannot cope with their parent being on Facebook.
Here are a few suggestions to try to ease into your online relationship.
Like most things in life, there are exceptions to every rule.
If you aren't sure, talk to your child before you do it.
Do not take your child rejecting your friend request personally.
Try to avoid hurt feelings by talking to your child before you "Friend" them.
There are some exceptions, but in general, do not try to friend their friends.
Let them come to you.
Use discretion when writing on your child's Wall.
If you wouldn't say it in front of your child's peers, don't post it on his/her wall.
Poking is taken as flirting...
enough said.
You will see things you do not want to.
Do not overreact when you notice your child joined the "Marijuana is Awesome" group.
Comments you post on group discussion boards can be read by anyone.
If it is a concern to you that is a conversation you have offline.
Do not send your child or their friends racy or alcohol-related gifts/quizzes.
It may not be taken well to invite your child or your child's friends to take the "What's your kissing style?" quiz.
Do not post humiliating or ill-advised photos of you or your child.
You've lectured your child on the dangers of posting pictures of keggers; you should take the same advice.
Your boss may be looking too.
Refrain from posting reminders about chores or homework to your child.
Do read about the things they Like.
This is your opportunity to find out more about your child without "prying".
Do keep your own page updated and active, so that it doesn't look like your only reason is to spy.
You might find out that social networking can be fun, as more and more adults are connecting through the web these days.
I hope this helps shed light on your online relationship with your parent/child.
For most people my age (and younger) it "freaks" them out (for lack of a better word) to have their parent(s) on Facebook.
Personally, I don't mind.
My mother is my best friend and she is no fool.
There isn't anything on Facebook she didn't already know, hear, see, read or have a hunch about (kids: your parent's aren't stupid; they already know).
So when my mother set-up her account I immediately began to show her the ropes.
This reaction is not normal, I know.
There are several reasons why children are uncomfortable with their parents being on social networking sites, the biggest (and should be the most obvious) is the fact that the site's are "social", they are meant for pleasure, friends, and networking.
Most people don't equate parents with that.
So having their parents present is almost an immediate threat to a child's online fun/entertainment.
But children (no matter your age) you still have a responsibility of your online reputation and behavior.
Facebook is a public domain.
Many tweens have been punished offline for their online behaviors...
So this will not be a sacrificial article just about parents on Facebook.
I believe in equal opportunity *grin* Etiquette For "The Child" Many people (adults and children) are still in denial that college admissions councilors, security investigators, hiring managers etc.
search social networking sites to vet applicants.
No, your parent may not be a security agent but it is still good to know how and what they are thinking when it comes to social networking.
Communication is a two-way street.
You have a role and a responsibility in how you and your parent interact online.
Anything you write, your parents will see.
Don't get upset if they see it! Generally speaking, parents tend to get more emotional about who does and does not accept their friend requests.
So yes, I'm telling you that means you have to be their friend.
Your parent's do not know your inside jokes.
When they see comments from your friends that seem vulgar and/or offensive do not become hostile with your parent for being concerned.
More importantly, do not lie to them! If it was a sincere joke, tell them, if someone is being a cyber-bully you need to be up front about that as well.
Because you are friends with your parent(s) on Facebook that does not mean that you no longer have communicate with them in person, via email, or on the phone.
Sorry.
It is not the same to them.
If you are concerned about your parent friend requesting your friends, discuss it with them immediately.
Talk about what your concerns are and why you feel that way.
Understand the world of communication has changed and will continue to change.
Your parents may not always know and understand technology changes as they happen but they will move with the times.
We all will.
One day, it will be you trying to keep up with your child.
Remember, they care about you and are doing the best they can.
Etiquette For Parents Some children just cannot cope with their parent being on Facebook.
Here are a few suggestions to try to ease into your online relationship.
Like most things in life, there are exceptions to every rule.
If you aren't sure, talk to your child before you do it.
Do not take your child rejecting your friend request personally.
Try to avoid hurt feelings by talking to your child before you "Friend" them.
There are some exceptions, but in general, do not try to friend their friends.
Let them come to you.
Use discretion when writing on your child's Wall.
If you wouldn't say it in front of your child's peers, don't post it on his/her wall.
Poking is taken as flirting...
enough said.
You will see things you do not want to.
Do not overreact when you notice your child joined the "Marijuana is Awesome" group.
Comments you post on group discussion boards can be read by anyone.
If it is a concern to you that is a conversation you have offline.
Do not send your child or their friends racy or alcohol-related gifts/quizzes.
It may not be taken well to invite your child or your child's friends to take the "What's your kissing style?" quiz.
Do not post humiliating or ill-advised photos of you or your child.
You've lectured your child on the dangers of posting pictures of keggers; you should take the same advice.
Your boss may be looking too.
Refrain from posting reminders about chores or homework to your child.
Do read about the things they Like.
This is your opportunity to find out more about your child without "prying".
Do keep your own page updated and active, so that it doesn't look like your only reason is to spy.
You might find out that social networking can be fun, as more and more adults are connecting through the web these days.
I hope this helps shed light on your online relationship with your parent/child.
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