Facebook May Lift Ban on Tween Accounts

Facebook may have found a way to increase revenues from their mobile users—let tweens facebook.

User terms of service currently restrict people who are under the age of 13 years from creating a Facebook account. This does not stop them from creating an accounts, as most tweens will readily admit. 

Perhaps it is a move to eliminate legal liability, or perhaps it is a move toward more cash flow. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the social media company is creating special account access for tweens.

Naturally, these accounts would come with customizable parental controls. Parents could choose who their children can friend, as well as what types of games they play through the site. They would also pay for those games, which would improve the company's bottom line. 

Zynga, one of the largest companies that develops games specifically for Facebook, had about $311 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending December 13, 2011. It was responsible for 15 percent of Facebook's revenue in the first quarter.

Putting aside notions of profit and litigation for a moment, another concern arises. How will this change the way young minds are developed?