A life stages forum for the youngest members

[Million Pieces]

There is a growing number of members who are Approved Minors, who have literally no where to go here. My own daughter is only 11, and feels no connection to most of the forums, except for only a couple of the music forums. The Women's is certainly no place for her/them, and she's not even taking part in the Teens section, as there's "teens" as old as 18-19, which I personally consider YoungAdult.

Would it be possible to consider a forum for the youngest members, under the ages of 14 or so, PLUS their sponsoring parent. It could be very closely monitored to only permit age appropriate content. I'd even be willing to help Mod it as a FSM with my non-Super sock if that would help make the decision.

I would jut like to see a forum here where even "the least of these" can find friendship in a protected, healthy atmosphere.

[Letalis]

This was discussed a lot prior to the reforms. One of the concerns is that it would present a central forum for younger members, making it much easier for predators to prey on them.

Also, IIRC, Erwin was against the idea at the time.

[Million Pieces]

That's a very good point, that didn't occur to me. I would like to offer that the forum be age restricted to members with a declared age under 15. If the forum is age restricted, does that restrict the Mods as well? It could be heavily monitored, as some of the other more protected forums are.

However, if it's the Admins decision to nix this one, for the safety of those same kids, I completely understand.

[Letalis]

I would have to talk to Lee and his technical staff. If it's possible to restrict viewing/posting to members under a certain age, I think that would alleviate the concerns, but I'd have to find out if it's possible code.

[Million Pieces]

I'd like to pop this one up for further consideration. Has Lee been approached about it?

[Angeldove97]

This suggestion will be added to the Admin discussion---please do not pm about the decision. I will update it when I hear back from the correct Staff.

Thanks! :)

[Brother Jason]

I just wanted to chime in with my support. My two oldest boys ages 12 and 11 don't come on here yet because there is no place for them. I think it is a great idea to have a place where younger children could hang out.

[ProfessorMom]

There are some valid concerns against having this forum, although I understand the reason for wanting one, too. One concern is how to protect the children. Kids often and very innocently give out personal information. CF couldn't force an under 13 forum to be moderated 24/7.

[Million Pieces]

No, I suppose it couldn't be forced, but if we were to collect dedicated moderators from a number of different time zones, that might be helpful. We would have to be specifically discerning about who we would ask to Mod, we might have to look for people who are specifically qualified to do it, similar to the Deliverance or Recovery forums.

I don't envision it being a hugely busy forum, but I do see it being welcomed for those who need it.

[ZeedlesforGod]

that sounds excellent!! do it!!

[jayh]

Just a thought as I was reading the suggestion.

Would it be possible to have such a forum available

for a few hours a day, and maybe not 24/7?

Perhaps that would help in moderating cover?

Jayh..

[Utah Knight]

Just a thought as I was reading the suggestion.

Would it be possible to have such a forum available

for a few hours a day, and maybe not 24/7?

Perhaps that would help in moderating cover?

Jayh..


if we were to get this i would love to cover it. I think the younger members feel a bit left out

[PixieSunbelle]

i noticed that younger people do not have a place to go....

perhaps the forum should be restricted to only the times that the mods are on? or have designated times/announced days?

younger kids should have a place as well if they are allowed on here-
it seems kind of unfair that they dont have a place

[ForHisGlory]

I'd be glad to look for the thread on this...and I hope it see's the light of day here, for the same reasons stated then...rather the kids be here than in other places on the net.

[ForHisGlory]

Then again maybe not, it seems they've been purged. But I'm sure someone higher up can find them, there were many on staff who had kids here at the time who said they'd help staff the area. And at that time kids were being bullied out of the BE area, but now the staff are there much more so I don't see that happening.

We had special needs teens and pre teens who needed a place at that time as well. I'd love to see an area where the younger kids could have their own icon to get in, and their own games and staff members.
I pray this gets considered again

[jessesgirl]

I would also be willing to help out n a forum for the younger members. I think it is a GREAT idea...and they need someowhere to fellowship, too!

[NostalgicGranny]

Couldn't they just use more parental type controls and keep the kids forum in? You know like not allowing certain words (your basic insults, I hate you, etc) to be posted?