Facebook and my parents?

I really want a facebook to stay in touch with friends and just to socialize but my parents say it is dangerous with the digital footprint it carries on you. A digital footprint is something that future colleges won't accept you because of stupid things you've done or stupid things you posted on the web because they think that your not smart enough to go in. Thats my parents main concern, a digital footprint I might create if I get facebook. I just REALLY want one, can you help me?