The Family On Facebook

Posted by Nadine Bells

When I joined Facebook, both my parents were there to welcome me with open arms. Or at least to add me as a friend. My brothers, cousins, an aunt and various other family members are also my cyberfriends, staying updated on my life by reading my wall, checking out links to my blogs, and skimming through my photo albums. And my situation is not unique.

Social networking sites are the newest tools for parents and teens (and post-teens, as is my case) to connect. But there are hazards and experts recommend being cautious in your online relationships and not overstepping into the child-and-her-friends circle when not invited.

"I do think it can bring them closer together" by helping parents learn more about their children's interests and friends, she says. "Where it gets tricky is, what's happening on social networking sites is really conversations between teens and their friends. You're not just listening in on your own teen. Suddenly, you are hearing what all their friends are doing as well."

Essentially, don't use Facebook as a tool for monitoring online activity. Make sure there's still a face-to-face dialogue about Internet etiquette. But if you're both cool with it, embrace the high-tech opportunity to digitally poke each other.

And kids, be careful messing around with that "relationship status" option. Your parents may call you on your fictional-marriage lie.

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The Family On Facebook

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