What is Facebook?
Facebook is what is known as a social networking web site. Users can create profiles there which are normally populated with photos, lists of personal interests, and public or private messages between friends. Access to individual profiles is restricted to a degree based on which networks you choose to join and which friends you choose to confirm.
For those a bit new to the internet, or social networking sites, the best way to find out about Facebook would be to create and account and have a look around to see if it is something you would be interested in.
Is Facebook safe?
Asking if Facebook is safe is a very difficult question to answer. Is driving a car safe? How about flying in a plane? There are varying levels and degrees of safety out there, and many things have a level of perceived safety, or even perceived danger associated with them. Rock climbing is safer than having a baby, scuba diving, and anesthesia, but rock climbing is generally treated with much more fear. The only way to accurately measure risk is by educating yourself on what the real risks are. Joining Facebook yourself, or allowing your children to create accounts is something you will have to decide for yourself. Here is a good place to get started.