Under age users

Hands up, my eldest, 12yrs, has ocasionally, 2/3x's, added to a post that I was making as he is very interested in BoP. This has always been with my knowledge etc. but if the rules say over 16/18yrs which ever then I won't allow him to add any comments to the posts I make from now on.

It would be great if there was somewhere that he was able to contribute to an interest he has, but tries to keep under wraps - it was nice for me to encourage this here. Hey ho.

bramble67 said:

Well spotted Chris. I hve however seen posts from both a 10 and a 12 yr old so there is still an issue here.

Sarah

Hi Sarah

Really? I am surprised about that..

I think having to be eighteen to join a wild-life forum is plain silly .I agree there has to be rules and 16 still seems harsh to me but ok .Young people can still read the posts and learn anyway, just can't ask questions which is a shame.Still, i do understand the RSPB must be carefull.No child should be unsupervised on the net. but that is down to the parents.

I was born in a tiny place where wild-life was such an important part of my youth, hence my opinion.

Hi

 COMPLETELY AGREE, The girl in question seemed very interested and I answered becouse she mentioned her father, So h0pefully she can stiln continue through her father. These young people need encouraging and believe me they are not kids at 16    But how do you know anyones age if they don't admit it. If this young girl hadn't said her age we would have been none the wiser

But I suppose rules are rules and it coveres us from risk as well

Perhaps you could have a family forum.

    Ray

I think it very sad that we cannot let under 18's participate.I think 16 would be better (not perfect). Is it not strange to say 'you can get married but you cannot use the RSPB forums'!

osprey-I would not discourage your children to participate in a post if you are present,I can see no harm in that.

Rachel

I know the RSPB has set their rules and that this is unlikely to change... 

however I agree with Sheena... as I have said before I am part of several forums on the web and none of them have an age policy... and there is a lot more flaming/baiting/keyboard warriors and the like than you will ever see on this website... 

I am not sure what content that you are likely to find on this site that under 18's are going to find offensive... and you won't find any grooming... everyone would, i hope, come down on this like a ton of bricks... 

at least on this forum they do not have to post a picture of themselves when they make a submission like they do with RSPB Phoenix!

its a shame young people can't ask questions and learn from the answers... however the RSPB obviously wants to avoid any liability which is their right. 

Hi Guy

  Thats ok but can an experienced person go onto the RSPB Pheonix to answer and help out with questions.

  If so your defeating the object.   I think this will just stop them giving their age.

       Ray

I am defeating what object Ray?

Unknown said:

Hi i know i was one of those advocating a PM system but i would gladly forego this if it meant people under 18 using the forum i think you need to encourage youngsters to get involved in wildlife/countryside etc...at present there is no way anyone can contact anyone privately and all comments can be seen in the forum

alan

+1 totally agree with this... although PM's should be available to read by mods anyway.

My son, when he was about 15, used to go on forums and even became a moderator of some of them. Having looked at the sort of stuff they fling at each other (mostly in Martian) I actually think that WE need protecting from THEM!!!

Only joking really. I think that youngsters should be encouraged to take an interest in wildlife and this forum doesn't hold too many dangers does it?? I suppose it all to do with liability and child safety to have the 18 rule here.

One thing I do is to buy child RSPB membership for the youngsters in my life as presents.

Cheers

Pipit