How Facebook Is Targeting Preteens

According to Bloomberg Businessweek and many other online sources, Facebook is considering allowing preteens to become members. With the popularity of the digital world, the preteen market is growing. And growing fast. Research shows that the preteen market is estimated at 150 billion.

Here’s a snippet of an article from Bloomberg Businessweek:

“Facebook, the world’s largest social network, is exploring whether to open its site to kids, according to Bloomberg News. Doing so could help the company tap a new population of potential members. Facebook needs the help: It already has reached almost 1 billion members, and a recent report byComScore (SCOR) says the social network’s growth has slowed dramatically—a warning sign for some investors. Allowing preteens to create profiles would introduce a valuable new demographic for advertisers to reach.

And yet the idea of opening Facebook to youngsters makes some uncomfortable: “What’s next? Facebook for toddlers?” says James Steyer, chief executive officer of Common Sense Media, a child advocacy organization. “Facebook should not target children under 13. Period.” The problems of keeping children safe online became horrifyingly apparent on June 12 when Skout, a mobile social network popular with teens, partially suspended its service after three adult members allegedly raped minors.”

Facebook has become mainstream. So, we are all familiar with it. And like it or not, social media is here to stay. So, it is safe to say that preteens growing up today will need to learn how to responsibly handle social media.

The big question: Are preteens too young for Facebook?

Even if Facebook puts in safeguards for preteens, nothing is foolproof. We all know there are dangers of young people on social media. And we also know that preteens are already on Facebook.

More from Bloomberg Businessweek:

“Currently, preteens are not permitted to create a profile on Facebook. But many lie: A Consumer Reports survey last year claimed that Facebook has 7.5 million users younger than 13….Facebook says it’s difficult to enforce age restrictions on the Internet, in part because parents help kids access online services.”

So, yes, many preteens are on Facebook already. But if Facebook opens up to preteens, it will quickly become the social norm. And that is something many are concerned about. Including myself, the father of an 11 year old.

Here are some questions for you to think about:

Do you think preteens are too young for Facebook?

If Facebook allows preteens to join, how will you help parents navigate the issue? How will you help preteens be responsible online?

I would love to read your comments about this. Happy typing!