My parents won't let me have facebook. How could I explain to them that its safe?

[abigaile]

if you're going to get a social networking page, facebook is just about the safest there is i suppose. all networks - facebook, myspace, blogger... basically anywhere you give info about yourself on the internet carries risk, but i think if you let your parents explore facebook themselves, they may change their tune.

* ask them to get facebook accounts and check it out.
* if you know how it works, show them the security and privacy features.
* remind them that only people who are your facebook "friends" can see your account.
* have them talk with parents of your friends who have facebook.
* explain to them what you would use facebook for: talking planning get togethers with your friends? homework help? connecting with friends or relatives who live far away?
* if they let you get one, make sure to show it to them regularly. the more they know about what you're doing, the better they'll feel.

facebook is imho a pretty safe place to connect with your friends. as long as you stay on your guard and are smart about how much info you post, it should be enjoyable.