It has been recently noticed that a large percentage of children are flocking to Facebook, imitating adults, or perhaps escaping family problems or just for entertainment. So what are the benefits and risks of Facebook for your child, and the allowed and prohibited limits, as explained by computer experts.

Internet and Networks
First, introduce him to the meaning of "the Internet." For example, draw a small circle representing the Internet with a branching network, and explain to him that this branching spreads around the world and then branches into smaller branches that extend to our home, offices, and institutions to share information with those around us, and this information is transmitted through signals moving from one place to another.

Then explain to him, by drawing the globe, that it is the Internet, and that social networks, forums, and websites are our homes, schools, and institutions, and the participants in them are people who belong to them, such as our friends, relatives, and teachers.

Introduce him to Facebook
It is like a library in a large city, where people come from all places, and each of them has a book in which there are people they want to share ideas and information with, collected through this book. If we imagine this on the Facebook terrain, we find that each person has a white page displaying his works, and has friends with whom he wants to share information, ideas, and activities.

Why do children resort to it?
Family problems are the primary factor for children resorting to social networking sites, followed by parents' busy work and their lack of attention to their children, in addition to the age difference between siblings and their lack of harmony with each other; therefore, Facebook might be their refuge to gain friendships they might get along with.

Its risks and benefits for children

Benefits:
- The child gains information and learns to search for it.

- Professionalism in using the Internet and computer, especially during this period, where professional use is one of the most important requirements.

- Exchange of information among colleagues, especially schoolmates.

- Communication with other family members in other countries.

Risks:
- Statistics indicate that one out of every five internet users receives sexual requests from strangers, who may be people falsifying their ages and photos, so beware of falling into this trap, and make sure that those present are relatives and friends you know well.

- Introversion, isolation, distancing from the real community, and getting closer to the Facebook community, considering it his real world.

- Confusing between a real friend and a virtual friend on the Facebook page, losing the true meaning of friendship.

- Addiction to it for long hours and sitting that generates risks such as obesity, laziness, and inactivity.

- Inclination towards other cultures and distancing from his own culture and heritage.

Advice
To protect your child from the risks of Facebook:
- If your child wants to have a private page, create it for him when he is ten or eleven years old, with rules you impose on him, and every year ease those rules until the age of 18.

- After explaining to him the meaning of "Facebook," explain to him the existing risks in it and how he can protect himself in their absence.

- Impose rules of use, such as not adding just anyone, only his friends and relatives, and you must really make sure they are his friends.

- Limit his use to two hours daily only, and it should be intermittent with breaks.

- Make computer usage in an open place like the living room where there is more than one person.

- Diversify your child's activity on the computer such as swimming, playing ball, and others, and going out to the park or the market.

- Fortify your children religiously and culturally, discuss with them any information they hear or write on their page, and provide them with correct information.

- Learn the applications available on Facebook and how to use them, so you don't fall prey to negligence.

Studies indicate that 49% of children using social networks make new friendships with strangers.

And approximately 43% of them have previously been contacted by strangers who pose a danger to them.