FACEBOOK HAS LAUNCHED a new ‘parent’s portal’ to start conversations about how to keep children safe on the social media platform.

The portal is a new part of the Facebook’s ‘safety centre’ and offers people advice on how to control what children see on the site.

Facebook said the portal is dedicated to educating parents on how Facebook works and includes tips for talking with children about staying safe online and provides access to resources from experts around the world.

Julie De Bailliencourt, head of safety policy at Facebook said the company was responding to huge demand from parents.

She said: “Every day, parents come to Facebook to ask for advice in groups, share pictures of their kids or just stay connected with family in different places. And for many parents, they also have questions about how Facebook works once their children join. That’s why today we are launching the parent’s portal.”

Online security expert Simon Grehan from Webwise said parents need to take responsibility for teaching their kids how to stay safe when they go on the internet.

He said:

In every aspect of development, from learning to cross the road, ride a bike or swim, parents teach, guide and support their children. It should be no different when it comes to their online lives.

Facebook issued the following tips for parents to keep children safe:

• Engage early – Friend your child when they join Facebook as it gets harder to do so if you wait.
• Set ground rules - When your child is old enough to join Facebook and other social media, talk to them about safe sharing.
• Trust yourself - If you find that your child responds best to a negotiated agreement, create a contract that you can both sign.
• Ask children to help – Get your child to show you how to set up a Facebook page and how to toggle privacy settings. According to studies, children will jump at the opportunity to teach their parents something.

The portal can be found here.

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