Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking websites are like really big family gatherings. Although like any family gathering they have their risks. Facebook and other social media sites are commonly used as a way to communicate with friends and family, in the comfort of your own home by means of the internet. Some say Facebook is a good place to “hang out online,” as well as make

friends, and increase social skills, but it can be dangerous if teens aren't careful, and aware of these dangers. Some of these dangers include cyber bullying, online predators, as well as unwanted photo tagging. I believe teens should be able to use social media because they can express themselves, keep in touch with friends and family, although parents should monitor their accounts.


In my opinion teens should be permitted to use social media because they can express

themselves. According to “Social Networking Benefits Validated” by Karen Goldberg Goff: “Anything

from a video clip to a profile page is going to reflect self expression. . . There are more opportunities to

make friends with similar interests.” For the new kid in school, or the one that’s always been there in the

shadows with little to no friendships, social media can be their relief. They can talk to people with similar

interests. They can express themselves through digital art, and writing that they post online. Social media can help kids get out of their metaphoric shell. (1)


I believe teens should be allowed to use social media because its a free way to keep in touch

with friends and family. In my experience, Facebook has been a successful way to keep in touch with

my friends and family. My family is spread out all over the world: Austria, Germany, France, Canada,

and of course the United States. So you can imagine how much harder, not to mention expensive, it

would be to keep in touch with them if Facebook didn’t exist. I believe this is important because family

is important, and most people share the same opinion. Family is something that is forever, and when you

need a friend to talk to or someone to complain to, they will always be there willing to listen. Social

media is a successful and easy way of staying in touch with people worldwide.


I think teens should have the option to use social media, but parents should monitor their

accounts. In the article, “Facebook and Your Teenager” Lisa Wirthman said: “Facebook’s lack of

anonymity makes its younger users vulnerable to predators. . . parents should have the ability to monitor

their kids online data.” Parents need to not only have the ability, but the right to monitor their kids

accounts, in order to protect them from dangers. Dangers that include but are not limited to; online

predators, cyber bullying, oversharing (for example; putting their home address available for the public

to see). Parents can oversee their kids accounts by setting up privacy settings and regularly checking

their accounts. Parents should supervise their teens account to protect them from danger, like any

parent should. (1)


When society is faced with isolation and lack of communication, social media has erupted to

endorse self expression and communication worldwide. When children are using social media, parents

should be involved to supervise their accounts. Facebook is a proven good source of friendships for

those who are socially impaired. People who have family worldwide may not have been able to stay in

contact fifty years ago, but now big families living in many different countries can stay in contact, and it

won’t cost them a penny. Although social media doesn’t come without its dangers like cyber bullying.

Parents should always oversee their kids activities and that includes Facebook. In conclusion, teens

should be allowed to use social media for its benefits such as self expression and a broader way of

communication, but they should also be made aware of the dangers and their parents should take

the necessary precautions.