Should kids be allowed to use Facebook?

Facebook Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg doesn't see anything wrong with it, despite concerns that they might be exploited through a social networking platform known for its controversial privacy policies.

7.5 Million Kids Under 13 Already Use Facebook

Zuckerberg took on the issue at the recent NewSchools Summit, where a Consumer Reports finding that approximately 7.5 million kids under 13 had lied about their age in order to create Facebook accounts was at the center of much discussion.

In a presentation, Zuckerberg revealed that he believes younger children should get access to the site, which is officially locked down to teens 13 years of age and older.

Does Facebook Have Educational Value?

Many people would see that as a measure to protect children from being exploited. Zuckerberg, however, believes that the site could have enough educational value to overshadow these concerns.

"In the future, software and technology will enable people to learn a lot from their fellow students," Zuckerberg stated. "That will be a fight we take on at some point. My philosophy is that for education you need to start at a really, really young age." (Source: thedeadbolt.com)

What was not so clear about Zuckerberg's statement is the criteria which makes Facebook educational.

Facebook Improves Communication, Social Skills

Nevertheless, Zuckerberg is committed to the idea that allowing children to communicate with one another through Facebook will improve their social skills and help them tackle real-world problems. Regardless, Facebook's CEO says we need to find out more about how kids handle using the site before we draw too many conclusions.

"Because of the restrictions we haven't even begun this learning process," Zuckerberg said. "If they're lifted then we'd start to learn what works. We'd take a lot of precautions to make sure that (younger kids) are safe." (Source: techflash.com)