Facebook Etiquette for Parents

Facebook Etiquette for Parents
5 Tips to Keep Your College Kid or Teen From Unfriending You
By Jackie Burrell, About.com Guide

Social networking is a huge part of teens, tweens and 20somethings' worlds - and, increasingly, their parents' lives too. Here are five Facebook faux pas to avoid, so your children don't "unfriend" you or join an "OMG - My mom friended me" support group.

•Friends: The basic structure of a social network revolves around friends. You invite someone to be your friend, thereby granting access to your profile, photo albums and Facebook "wall," a discussion board where any friend can post comments. On Facebook, a friend invitation can be accepted, declined, ignored or accepted in limited fashion - the new friend can see some, but not all of what's there. Avoid hurt feelings by talking to your kids before you try to "friend" them. Do not try to friend their friends. Let them come to you.

•Walls: Exercise discretion. If you wouldn't say it in front of your child's peers, don't post it on his wall. Wishing someone "Happy Birthday" on his wall is fine. Commenting on his appearance, friends or embarrassing antics from the past? No.

•Groups: Facebook members can join fun little groups of like-minded souls - people who love the same bands, went to the same school or adore Harry Potter - and you can too. Just remember that the decision to join a Facebook group can be inspired by irony, philosophy or simply, "the cool girl next door invited me." Don't overreact when you notice your child just joined the "Marijuana is awesome" group - and remember that the comments you post on group discussion boards can be read by anyone.

•Pokes, Karma and Gifts: Part of the fun of Facebook involves poking people - a little note is sent to the recipient that says "You've been poked. Do you want to poke back?" - and exchanging virtual gifts, Karma points and similar lighthearted activities. You can take quizzes ("Which Disney Princess are you?"), outfit an eco-friendly green plot, or play Roshambo. Caveats: Do not send your child or your child's friends anything racy or alcohol-related. The gift may not be real, but everyone can see it and draw embarrassing conclusions. It's also not cool to invite your child or your child's friends to take the "What's your kissing style?" quiz.

•Don't Embarrass Your Kid: You've lectured your child on the dangers of posting pictures of keggers. Take the same advice yourself. Don't post humiliating or ill-advised photos. Don't post that adorable shot of junior, naked, on a bearskin rug at age 2. The moment you "tag" him - identify him - in a Facebook photo, his friends all get a note that says there's a new photo of him online. And when it comes to photos of yourself, remember it's not just your child's college administrators and prospective employers vetting online sites. Your boss may be looking too.

MY THOUGHTS

"Don't embarass your kids" and don;t embarass yourself. This facebook thing is so easy to use. we can get really caught up and careless. some lines need to be drawn - that's for sure - kids or no kids.