by Louise-Anne Geddes, Mindful Mum, 6th June 2012

According to the Wall Street Journal, Facebook are testing features which include connecting children’s accounts with their parents, which would enable them to control friend requests and use of apps.  Currently, those under the age of 13 are banned from using Facebook, but with many using a false date of birth to obtain an account, the new measures may be used to ‘establish controls’.

Developing technology

Facebook are continually developing technology, some of which is never publicly released, so it is unclear at this stage as to when or if an under 13’s service will be introduced.  A study by Microsoft Research last autumn found that around 36% of parents were aware that their children had joined Facebook before they were 13.  According to the Wall Street Journal, Facebook are seeking and developing ways to allow under 13’s to become legitimate users as an alternative to the current levels of unauthorised use.

Source:  The Wall Street Journal, Facebook Explores Giving Kids Access, 4 June 2012