Should you rat out a young relative (or any kid you're close to) because of a Facebook post?

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Should you rat out a young relative (or any kid you're close to) because of a Facebook post?

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  • 104940
    Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.
    31%
  • 104941
    No. You should just stay out of it. It's none of your business.
    8%
  • 104942
    Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.
    60%

VoteTotal Votes: 810

What happens when you see something questionable on a social media site from a young relative or child of a friend? Should you mention it to their parent or should you just keep mum?

Results with 10 short comments
Total of 810 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

31.4%
Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.
254 votes
8.4%
No. You should just stay out of it. It's none of your business.
68 votes
60.2%
Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.
488 votes
Display Comments:
Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.

If you've given your child permission to have a FB acct, you SHOULD be monitoring it regularly, if not daily, and who they are friends with

    #1
     - Floralia00
     - 3:41 pm EDT on Thu Jul 8, 2010
    Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.

    You'd never forgive yourself if something bad happened that you might have prevented...

      #2
       - Vade
       - 10:02 pm EDT on Thu Jul 8, 2010
      Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.

      Always if there is a danger to the child.

        #3
         - Julie-Kansas-City
         - 11:07 am EDT on Fri Jul 9, 2010
        Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.

        It takes a villiage to raise a child!

          #4
           - LibbieG.
           - 11:42 am EDT on Fri Jul 9, 2010
          Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.

          I do let my friends know when I see that their child has posted something questionable. I'd want them to do the same for me.

            #5
             - satellite6209
             - 12:20 pm EDT on Fri Jul 9, 2010
            Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.

            You should let the young relative know you saw what was written.

              #6
               - Tracy9301
               - 4:41 pm EDT on Fri Jul 9, 2010
              Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.

              I would talk to the child first -- hope they'd take the hint. If they didn't I'd rat them out in the next instant. Their safety IS the IT.

              • 1 vote
              #7
               - Bailey-1968243
               - 4:53 pm EDT on Fri Jul 9, 2010
              Instead of directly ratting them out, you could suggest the parent check out the child's Facebook posts.

              I would make any comments to another parent indirect and passive.

                #8
                 - LearnedHillbilly
                 - 11:43 am EDT on Sun Jul 11, 2010
                Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.

                Yes, but with caution so as to ensure the child continues to trust you.

                  #9
                   - Laura, PA
                   - 7:23 pm EDT on Sun Jul 11, 2010
                  Yes. You should tell the parents, so they're aware of what's happening.

                  I would expect any of my friends or family to tell me if the spotted my child EVER on inappropriate sites, Facebook or otherwise.

                    #10
                     - AnnieC2S
                     - 10:28 am EDT on Thu Jul 15, 2010

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                    Discuss this post

                    Comment author avatar6ft9man

                    Children and grown-ups beware what you post on Social Media. Learn early to hide your indescretions.

                      Reply#1 - Thu Jul 8, 2010 12:49 PM EDT
                      Comment author avatarLeigh Ann-1828331

                      Parents...be parents, monitor their social media. Any adult knowingly hiding it from a parent is just as guilty. Stop trying to be their best friends and be the adult. Is there any wonder our youth are in the condition they are in?

                        Reply#2 - Thu Jul 8, 2010 5:42 PM EDT
                        Comment author avatarTina-1982499

                        I agree with Leigh Ann. Parents need to stop being their childs best friend and be their parent. There is always time down the road to be their best friend.

                        • 1 vote
                        Reply#3 - Fri Jul 9, 2010 9:10 AM EDT
                        Comment author avatarTracy9301

                        You are their parent, but you also want them to know they can always come to you. There is a fine line between friend/ parent.

                          #3.1 - Fri Jul 9, 2010 4:46 PM EDT
                          Reply
                          Comment author avatarJen Singer

                          I did that very thing about my niece. I told her and her parents that I didn't think she should be on Formspring, which I've likened to leaving your young teen in an NYC park at midnight with a light shining in her face. Nothing good comes from a site where people can anonymously comment on your 14-year-old.

                            Reply#4 - Fri Jul 9, 2010 12:12 PM EDT
                            Comment author avatarAnnieC2S

                            Thank God my kids are only 3 and not able to use the computer yet. However, I also do my due diligence and keep their pictures off the internet as much as possible. (They're in my wedding photo on my encrypted photo site and my controlled Facebook page).

                            It's not just about teaching your kids to be safe and conscientious on the Internet but its about being parents and knowing what your kids are doing. When my three are old enough to use a computer it will be in a open room where their father or I can see what they are doing. The parental controls will be engaged and I'm also one to look through the history (More from boredom than curiosity).

                            I understand that all the prevention in the world still isn't going to protect them from everything but I can certainly try, that's for sure!

                              Reply#5 - Thu Jul 15, 2010 10:37 AM EDT
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