UNDER 21 AREA

[Elizabeth]

Hi Sharon,

I voted no because I think proving age will be a problem. This could then become just another place predators can find young people with self-esteem problems and serious issues including thier sexuality.

If you could ensure that there were no "posers" in there, I might support it. While I am normally against segregation, it may be helpful as long as there is an adult moderator. Many times with young people they pass along poor information as if it were the truth. I do however seriously dougbt they have any unique problems that someone in here has not been through, segregation will limit the passing on of valuable information they might not get unless they directly ask for it, which is not that likely.

Love always,
Elizabeth

[Sally]

I agree it's a good idea and I voted in favour, but I don't think it a good idea to have it locked away such as the SO's section needs to be. I too can't see any way possible to successfully police it as to the validity of anyone's age.

My fears for closed online forums for young people is that it can open up opportunities for older 'predators', shall we call them, who have ulterior motives and it gives them an opportunity to make contact, as young people are vulnerable due to their inexperience. There are plenty of good experienced people here, who if able to read what's being said, have the experience to sniff out a 'fox in the henhouse' to to speak, and they're about everywhere, make no mistake about that.


I realise that it would be well monitored as usual and I am all for anything which helps those young people coming behind us, but as for it being locked away then I don't think that'sa good idea, but as always, I support the decisions of the majority, the forums owners and mods.

I would also add that if this comes to fruition then I believe it should carry some sort of warning to those young people to beware about making person to person contact with anyone as a result of online chat exchanges, and for them to be wary of giving out any information which can identify them or their location. They can always seek further advice from us regarding this, and I'm sure the best advice available to anyone can be found amongst all of us.

Kind Regards,

Sally.

[KimberlyS]

i have not answered this yet because i have been struggling with my choice. But since Marlena and Sally have posted she has made up my answer....

I Ditto Sally and Marlena, Yes we should have an area, but not closed. Have the area clearly for those under age, but clearly for their postings unless they ask a question of everyone. I also think the contact and personal informational warnings are very good ideas. And I think some of the older people should read the disclosure of personal information also. As some people say they do not want to be outed, and then turn around and disclose personal or location information about themselves.

KimberlyS - CD

[Lorna]

I just don't see the reason for an 'Under 21' area. What would be the purpose of that? I just feel that adults are adults, whether you're 18 or 21 or 35 or 50 or 65 or whatever. Do we really need to break up, categorize, and "label" people even more than society does already? Ask yourselves honestly.

If you're old enough to go to war & die for your country, then you're old enough to be treated with all of the respect & dignity that older adults recieve every day. Why label and single out people, simply because they're of a younger generation?

[GalicianGirl(SO)]

Lorna,

Remember we do have members that are 15 and 16 years old that would like to talk with members close to their age. It makes it easier if they have an area so they will know who they are...

Sharon(SO)

[Tamara(SO)]

I think having a section like this is a good idea. Many forums turn away those under the age of 18 and it's such a shame. I feel a lot of guilt turning them away from the forum I help to admin, but rules are rules

To those who don't think it is a good idea, remember back to the age when you started CD'ing, there was nothing like this for you then and I've read so many times how members wished for places like this when they were younger. Don't deprive them of what you have now, they need this place as much as you wished you had it when you were a teenager.