In 10 short years, Facebook has grown from being a niche site only for college students to an online juggernaut used by 57 percent of American adults. The social network has become the default way to keep connected with family and friends.
Children, of course, are a huge part of life. You probably have friends and family who flood your newsfeed with photos of their kids—some even open Facebook accounts for their newborns—but some parents aren't comfortable doing that.
When we asked our Facebook readers whether they posted photos of their children on the social network, we received answers that fell all along the spectrum between “yes” and “no.” One told us simply, “I refrain from all pictures.” Another said, “I need to stop.”
For tips on staying safe online, visit our guide to Internet security.
One comment was: “I’ve refrained. I want my kids to be safe. There are better ways of sharing photos.” This started a conversation. In one response to that comment, another reader said: “You should be more concerned with teaching your kids safe Web usage than preventing their picture from being seen. Child predators try to engage children directly. I don't know what 'safety' you're providing them by not posting pictures.”
Falling around the middle of the conversation was this comment: "I share family pictures and pictures of just my kids. They are set to 'friends only.'" I have nothing set to Public.” Then there were a few people who were even less concerned. “It’s fine,” said one.
In many ways, this is a personal decision about how much privacy you want for yourself—and for them. One reader said she would post her children’s photos only when they’re old enough to have their own accounts (that’s 13 years old on Facebook).
We’d like to know what you think: Take our quick poll (it's also at the upper right of this page) and get an instant read on the results. And watch our video below to learn how to edit and change some of the most important Facebook privacy settings.
—Carol Mangis
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