::::::::
Our editor has written up her concern below. I don't want to violate any laws or endanger any kids. On the other hand, I want to allow free speech and encourage young people to read and write articles. I'd like your thoughts on this.Currently, we require all users to be at least 14 years old. That age was used because Myspace is set up so that users under 14 can only communicate with other under 14 year olds.
Should we raise the age that a member can sign up to 16 or 18? Should we allow people over 14 but under 18 to post articles (but not comments adult predators could still post comments, but would not be able to get responses from the site.)
Thanks,
Rob Kall
Publisher
My concern with 14-year olds is the 'minor' status they occupy in most laws and legal matters across the country. An acquaintance of ours must register as a 'child sex offender' for having inappropriate emails with his 14-year old daughter's best friend. He had to move out of his home of 16 years because it was too close to a school. After polling several friends with children I am even more concerned. Most parents I spoke with are not fond of sites such as MySpace, and block/monitor their kids' access. I guess the question to answer is, if an inappropriate communications [exchange of photos of a sexual nature, arranged meetings, etc.] occurred between a 'minor' and adult on OpEdNews, what if any, would our liability be? I don't want to be arrested and disappear into a Bush gulag. Yesterday, Bush and Co. [more war on terror bullshit] received sanction from the Supreme Court to enforce legal requirements spelled out in secret policy that the public isn't even allowed to review. One is subject to the policy, it just that one just can't see and read it. One must do as one is told, period.
