A recent survey by Fluent identified YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook as the most popular networks used by adults age 18 to 24. Naturally, many preteens and teenagers are clamoring for accounts on these social networking platforms, adding to the many challenges of parenting on top of school, extracurricular activities, family, holidays and all the associated drama. But the fact is these social networking platforms are a part of our children’s lives, and the best approach is to teach them to use them responsibly when you feel they are ready.

What age to start?

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in connection with the collection, use and/or disclosure of personal information from and about children on the internet. It defines a “child” as an individual under age 13. If an operator of a website or online service knows it may be collecting personal information from a child, the operator is required to, among other things, keep the data confidential, notify all users about how the child’s data is collected and handled, and obtain verifiable parental consent, which the parents may withhold. Operators of these sites indicate that users must self-certify they are age 13 or older before creating an account, which then frees the operators of any costs and deterrence associated with notification and parental consent requirements. Regardless, we all know there are likely children under age 13 who either created accounts themselves or had their parents help them. Whether a child is ready at age 13 or older to responsibly and safely use these network services is the decision of the child’s parents, not the operators or the government. Just know that children under age 13 are generally prohibited from signing up, and their use is a violation of the terms of service.

Setting up an account

Advising your child on creating a new account is a sensitive operation. Do you let them use their full name or an obscure name that cannot immediately be associated with your child’s real name? Do you use their real birth date or an approximate date? How you address these questions is up to you. However, preserving privacy should be a priority, and you should leverage the security tools that these services provide. Teach your children to use complex passwords, and enable two-factor authentication, which all social networks offer, so your children are familiar with this enhanced security. Set up the account as private so only approved people are allowed to join your child’s social network. Last, make sure your children do not share their passwords with friends.

Join their network

You can’t advise your child on social networking unless you are a part of it as well. Children should expect their parents to be a part of their social networks and to follow their activities. Join their network (don’t forget to use the same security features) and check up on their posts and followers. There’s no reason for an adult stranger from a foreign country to be following your child here in Hawaii. If you encounter these followers, immediately ask your children about them, explain the issues and have your child block the follower as a condition of continuing to participate in the social network. This all takes work, but being online with your children is part of being an influential force in their lives.

A post is forever

Remind your children that anything posted on social networking sites, regardless of privacy settings, could become public due to a hack or some other reason. They should never post any compromising photos of themselves, their family or their friends as those photos could circulate on the internet indefinitely. Many children have already had this discussion in school, but it helps to re-emphasize it at home.

Social networks are a part of our culture, so it’s important for parents to take time to understand how people are using each one so they can protect their children and teach them responsible online behavior that will carry them into adulthood.

Michael Miranda, director of information security at Hawaiian Telcom, holds current Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) and is a Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA), Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) and Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA). Reach him at michael.miranda@hawaiiantel.com.