Anyone who is at least 13 years old can log on to Facebook. However, using Facebook is not completely safe for you. Especially if you are not yet familiar with the Internet, you should only use Facebook together with your parents. You can use Facebook alone? Then please take the tips in this article to heart.

Danger #1: Facebook Games

The games on Facebook are great. It’s easy and quick to try them out using your facebook account. That’s exactly why they are so dangerous. Many Facebook games are free. But some games only pretend to be free. In the beginning, you don’t have to pay anything to play. Later, you may unintentionally order something that your parents have to pay for.

In many games you can deposit money to get a bonus for the game. Some items or levels you can only use if you pay for them. That’s why you have to be careful what you click on when playing on Facebook.

Not sure if your game is really completely free? Better show it to an adult to be sure.

Danger #2: Cyberbullying

Unfortunately, some kids use Facebook to tease others. They upload pictures of others to Facebook without asking permission. Sometimes mean or untrue things are written under the pictures. It also happens that children write made-up, unpleasant stories about other children or tell secrets on Facebook.

When someone does something like this, it is called “bullying.” If the whole thing happens on the Internet, it is called “cyber-bullying“. Such behavior is not allowed. On the one hand, because Facebook forbids it. On the other hand, because it is a criminal offense. That means it’s against a law. Children over the age of 14 who bully other people can be fined for it.

As soon as you notice someone being teased on Facebook, it’s best to stay out of it. There’s no point in getting involved in an argument. However, you shouldn’t just look the other way either. Support the children involved by getting help. Contact an adult who you can tell about it.

Are you being bullied? Tell others that you don’t want this to happen. Ask them to delete the pictures and texts that make you feel uncomfortable. Tell your parents immediately, they will help you and know what to do. Sometimes a talk with your teacher can also help.

Danger No. 3: Meeting New People

When you use Facebook, you don’t just meet friends and acquaintances. Sometimes, people, you don’t even know want to be friends with you. Basically, there’s nothing wrong with making new friends. But on the Internet, it’s a dangerous thing for kids. You can’t know who is really behind it. Maybe your new acquaintance actually looks completely different than on his profile picture. Some adults pretend to be children and ask unpleasant questions. Don’t get involved and tell your parents about it. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on the safe side:

• Go over your Facebook account’s “privacy settings” with your parents or one of your teachers.
• Don’t accept friend requests from someone you don’t know.
• Do not click on links in messages from strangers. Links are identified by blue, underlined text.
• Don’t send photos or videos of yourself to strangers.
• Choose your profile picture with your parents.
• Don’t say anything about yourself on Facebook that you don’t want others to know.
• Someone tells you about a cool website you should check out? Only take tips from friends you trust.
• Never share Contact information like your cell phone number or address on Facebook!

Have more questions about Facebook? Then you might be interested in our other articles about it.

Worksheet For The Text

1) Explain the difficult words from the text

What does…

• Bullying

• Cyber bullying

• Crime

• Link

2) What can you do if you notice someone being bullied?

3) What are the three dangers on Facebook?

4) Use your computer to research the topic “Dangers Facebook.” Write down here what you found interesting.

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