Spending risk on Facebook

An 8-year-old Auckland boy used his dad's credit card to buy credits for a Facebook game using a loophole the family are warning parents to be aware of.

Tyson Kempton's father Steve started an account for his son on the social networking site after a classmate moved to Sweden this year.

The Mellons Bay Primary student now boasts about 20 Facebook friends, ranging from family in the United States to kids from school and a 60-year-old grandmother in Wanganui.

"It was a nice way for them to keep in touch," Kempton, 37, said.

But Tyson has spent more time playing games than networking. His favourite is Frontierville in which he works with real-world friends to build virtual towns.

Tyson became so accomplished at the game his dad agreed to buy him extra credits, known as horse-shoes, using his Visa card.

But when Kempton authorised the US$10 ($13.40) transaction he did not realise the card details would remain saved to Tyson's Facebook account.

"About an hour later I got an email receipt for another US$20 in credits," Kempton said.

Tyson didn't realise he was spending real money.

Tyson's mum, American-born Pearl Tanguilig, was already wary about her children being on Facebook. "I think it would have been better to hold off until they got to high school," she said.

"But the world is changing quickly and our community is global. The internet is everywhere, it's just part of life now."

Tanguilig keeps close tabs on Tyson's networking.

Facebook's terms and conditions stipulate users must be over 13, but this is easily circumvented.

NetSafe director Martin Cocker said if parents helped, social networking sites could develop children's digital skills.