Secret Facebbook Groups...??

[mattoc66]

I have just learnt that these groups exist. You can only join these groups by invitation only and will not show up in any search you make. Now as a parent of a 13 yr old girl who regularly goes on and uses this popular networking site surely these groups need to be made open or banned. One of the provisos I made before allowing her to sign up was that I could be added as a friend and monitor and check who she was adding as a friend like any concerned responsible parent would. I'm pretty sure that she hasn't joined one these groups and talking to anyone sinister but now knowing these groups exist, isn't it dangerous that a parent cant view the content and members of such groups if their child is in one??

[redcrx]

perhaps you could speak to her friends parents in case they arent aware of such private groups. spread the word in case they arent aware either.

[Eve]

If you have access to her account, you can access her groups list the same way she does surely?

[redcrx]

ps, if the parents are using the childs account then they will know about any secret groups as they come up on the standard news feed.

[bimbo123456]

Are you aware that the only proviso to have a facebook account is an email account. If your daughter is really determined to keep things from you all she has to do is open another account. Have one for family and friends and one for the less savoury acquaintances. Simply put, you just have to hope that you have brought your daughter up with enough sense to see Facebook for what it is. A social networking site. End of.

[Answerprancer]

By "secret group" I assume you mean private. "Secret" makes it sound like they are there to be used for devious means. I think you have very little to worry about unless your daughter is particularly vulnerable in some way. Anyway, all Facebook accounts are totally 'earwiggable' by the authorities and I'm sure if there was any dodgy business going on that CEOPS, Scotland Yard or the FBI would soon find out.

[Eve]

Duh, sorry, should have read through properly. I guess you can only spread the word as much as you are able. The school might be able to help with an internet safety talk or similar for parents as well as kids or a factsheet, might be worth seeing if they would be interested.

[Ratty2E]

Why not link her account to an email address that goes to your inbox. As far as I know you can get notifications sent to your email of all activity including any on a secret group.

[Answerprancer]

Have a look here if you're that worried:
http://www.ceop.police.uk/

[redcrx]

do you use facebook yourself, mattoc?

is this of any help?

http://www.connectsaf...book-for-parents.html

also remember that if any of her friends tag her in photos then her pic can be seen by people she doesnt know etc.

[hippyhoppy]

Got invited to one.. was asked to delete a friend.. then they deleted me.. how very rude!!

[HARPY]

There are lots of dodgy people on the internet

http://www.pcsndreams...es/ChatNightmares.htm

[mattoc66]

yes I do use facebook but was nieve to think I could just monitor her from my account.. looking at her profile page, friends list, groups joined ect. Like I've said before. I know my daughter is responsible and I have checked her account but how many other parents knew about "Secret Groups"? remember these groups are by invitation only and anyone can invite anyone else..

[Answerprancer]

There are lots of dodgy people in the world - some of them are in charge.

[Answerprancer]

They are called "closed groups" and you can ask to join them.
The flip side of this is that your daughter and her friends could form one in order to keep undesirables out !

[redcrx]

as i have already said, unless you are logged into her account you will not be able to see what she writes on most pages, walls or groups unless you are friends or like them too.

[mattoc66]

no there are 3 types of group.. Open, Closed and Secret http://www.securityne...s-secret-groups-0139/

[HARPY]

This is happening every week

http://www.dailymail....man-met-internet.html

[mattoc66]

the "secret" groups are by invitation only

[B00]

harpy, think we all know the scare stories, no need to give matt here nightmares is there?

[Answerprancer]

Ah, ok - I didn't know that.

Nice one Harpy, the Daily Mail - source of all things accurate and true :-/