Cyber Safety # 2: Should Parents Have the Backdoor Key to Kids’ Facebook Accounts?

Freddy The Boy via Compfight cc

"PASSWORD PRIVACY AND SAFETY CONCERNS

When it comes to deciding about kids and parents sharing their passwords, the most important goal is to maintain open communication, explaining to kids the responsibility that comes along with having an email account, and the need to ask an adult for help if the child feels uncomfortable with the nature of any online exchange. It’s a big responsibility, though, and changes with a kid’s age. Is it too much to ask of a 10- or 11-year old to know what’s worthy of alarm?

Some kids and parents decide the parent can have email access, but as kids get older and want more independence and privacy, those agreements may change. Some parents and kids agree to keep kids’ password in a sealed enveloped, promising only to open the seal when there’s a question of safety. Others figure out an arrangement with a parent’s close friend or relative with sound judgment who has emergency access to the email. The goal is to let kids know they’re not alone"

.http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/05/should-parents-have-the-backdoor-key-to-kids-facebook-accounts/