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Making Friends Online - For My Son

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RascaL
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26 Feb 2012, 1:50 pm

I would love to know how to help my son make friends online, whether through this site or elsewhere. My son is thirteen and usually around this time, parents are trying to keep their kids from online socializing, but I guess I am the complete opposite. My son really has no desire to make online friends and when I suggested to him making a Facebook page he told me that "only the bad kids at school use Facebook." He spends a lot of time online though, often youtube, and I thought maybe I could find a way to get him to socialize a bit. He has a great, silly sense of humor... any suggestions?



Kailuamom
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26 Feb 2012, 2:20 pm

My son has made friends on Xbox I think it's a social life saver.



Sweetleaf
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27 Feb 2012, 12:38 am

Why does he have to have online friends if he does not want to? also he is right there is sometimes a lot of drama on facebook, he's probably worried kids that pick on him at school would do the same on facebook. I am assuming that is what he meant by 'bad' kids, but I could be wrong.

Unfortunately other than the Xbox live I can't really think of very many social networking websites a 13 year old would enjoy....you could see if he wants to join this forum, there is an adolescent section. But if the idea makes him uncomfortable it certainly is not nessisary to have friends online.


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Mithos
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27 Feb 2012, 1:37 am

Sweetleaf wrote:
Why does he have to have online friends if he does not want to? also he is right there is sometimes a lot of drama on facebook, he's probably worried kids that pick on him at school would do the same on facebook. I am assuming that is what he meant by 'bad' kids, but I could be wrong.

Unfortunately other than the Xbox live I can't really think of very many social networking websites a 13 year old would enjoy....you could see if he wants to join this forum, there is an adolescent section. But if the idea makes him uncomfortable it certainly is not nessisary to have friends online.
^


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RascaL
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28 Feb 2012, 9:39 am

Oh, absolutely, he doesn't HAVE to. I've just been looking at different options because just this past year or two he is wanting to make more friends... which is awesome. :D



MMJMOM
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28 Feb 2012, 9:59 am

I'd be leary of Facebook. He may hear all the drama, and is probably safer NOT on Facebook. But maybe see if there are any local groups for kids his age online, and go from there!


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catbalou
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29 Feb 2012, 2:11 am

My daughter aged 13 has virtually her entire social life on a site called Runescape. A friend of mine showed it her about two years ago and she goes on it every night and calls those people her friends. Who am I to argue? It brings her happiness. There seem to be lots of boys on it and it might be something your son would enjoy. as for facebook-she's not on it and I'm glad, anyway for facebook you kind of need people to post on your wall and if you dont have many friends in real life and are not going to post on other's walls, this probabaly won't happen.



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29 Feb 2012, 3:44 am

catbalou wrote:
My daughter aged 13 has virtually her entire social life on a site called Runescape. A friend of mine showed it her about two years ago and she goes on it every night and calls those people her friends. Who am I to argue? It brings her happiness. There seem to be lots of boys on it and it might be something your son would enjoy. as for facebook-she's not on it and I'm glad, anyway for facebook you kind of need people to post on your wall and if you dont have many friends in real life and are not going to post on other's walls, this probabaly won't happen.
RUNESCAPE!! I joined Runescape when I was 14 years old, I have pure Dragon Armor and an Abyssal Whip. I tend to make my money by fishing for sharks using a Harpoon of sorts. I tend to chat with the "Night Crowd" In the fishing bays. Runescape use to control my life. I'm GLAD your daughter is playing Runescape. I especially love the battles in this one place where you are on one team and you fight for the flag. AMAZING GAME.


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