(Image Source: Fansbury.org )

 

BY LOGAN TITTLE

 

Facebook might be getting some fresh faces by allowing access to a more youthful crowd.

 

KSDK explains —

 

“Facebook is looking to connecting parents to their children’s accounts so parents can decide whom kids friend and what apps they use.”

 

The social site’s Mark Zuckerberg said back in 2010 this was only a topic of discussion—not a priority—because of all the restrictions and regulations tied to it.

 

Turns out—the youngsters have already hopped the fence, some even with the help of parents.

 

Here’s WCVB —

 

“Federal law requires children under 13 to get parental permission from most interactive sites but many lie about their ages when they sign up.”

 

Last fall, a group of researchers from Harvard, University of California, Northwestern University and Microsoft Research published a paper that revealed 95 percent of parents were aware their 10-year-olds were using Facebook and 78 percent actually helped them create the account.

 

The Wall Street Journal reports child advocates are divided on this decision—with some in favor of Facebook creating a space for kids, but with extra protection. Others say they should be doing the opposite.

 

CEO of the child advocacy group Common Sense Media told the Wall Street Journal ...

 

“…Facebook ought to make a major public education campaign saying nobody under 13 should ever be on this site and make that a central feature of their messaging. Why aren’t they doing that?”

 

And a write for Forbes simply says kids will be kids and since they’re already sneaking on to the site—the best thing to do is make it safe for them.

 

“Whether we like it or not, millions of children are using Facebook, and since there doesn’t seem to be a universally effective way to get them off the service, the best and safest strategy would be to provide younger children with a safe, secure and private experience that allows them to interact ... without having to lie about their age.”

 

The Wall Street Journal says Facebook frequently develops technology that never finds its way to the public, and no word yet on when the site plans to introduce its kid-friendly accounts.