I had a “conversation” with another jelly a couple of nights ago regarding children being on this site. It’s almost like TV; there are some really appropriate places for kids to tune in and others…not so appropriate. It would be easy to tell people to keep it PG; keep their language in check and avoid heading down the quasi-porn trail. The problem with that dicta is you then take away the freedom of discussion and open dialog that makes Fluther so great.
I sometimes enjoy reading younger peoples perspectives on things, it can be eye opening. Sure there are the immature questions (and responses), but they can be avoided with relative ease. I absolutely don’t buy into the statements I’ve read here that “Kids are exposed to everything anyway – why should it be different here”. My children are not sheltered, but coming here would be a real eye opener to say the least.
My 14 year old son is a brilliant writer and loves to debate & discuss; he would enjoy it here. But, a few links to porn, some very objectifying comments, some really vulgar language and constant glorification of excessive drinking and drug use precludes me from inviting him to join in. It’s not wrong of jellies to talk freely; but my son is not mature enough yet to disseminate online how someone arrived at the conclusions they are espousing or the life-choices they are making. These are conversation for us to have as a family or for him to deal with in real time.
There is no easy answer, so each jelly will write what they want to, and go down whichever path they choose. Mods can only do so much and there’s no accounting for taste.
I’d love to think that the kids that are here would avoid the Q’s that pertain to topics beyond their scope; but then I’d be living in fantasy land! :)