I'm certainly in favor of a forum where children can discuss matters of belief, whether they be atheists or not.
I'm not sure this is the right place - unless some kind of wall was erected between areas for children and those more advanced in years. I probably wouldn't want my child wandering into the Gauntlet or R'lyeh. AF is pretty much a de facto "adults zone", and while we certainly have our share of minors, I think it's generally assumed here that we don't need to self-censor both in choice of topic and language.
I'm not particularly worried about my kid encountering "bad language" - he knows it when he sees it and avoids it by his own choice. It's more a case of him being exposed to topics that I'd prefer he be a bit older before he's exposed to them. Yes, parents should monitor their children's online activities (and I do) - but I don't think that responsibility should require a parent watch over their child's shoulder 100% of their online time (doing so, I think, sends a message I do not want to send).
While it is true that there is nothing preventing my (or any other) child from reading any public topic at AF, I think there's a difference between the site being available should one wish to search for it versus directing one's children to it.
Also - it's got to be said: Some of us should not be allowed anywhere near children, online or not. I'm looking at you, Min. I jest.
If the details could be worked out to make it a child-safe zone, I'm totally on board with the idea.
I'm not sure this is the right place - unless some kind of wall was erected between areas for children and those more advanced in years. I probably wouldn't want my child wandering into the Gauntlet or R'lyeh. AF is pretty much a de facto "adults zone", and while we certainly have our share of minors, I think it's generally assumed here that we don't need to self-censor both in choice of topic and language.
I'm not particularly worried about my kid encountering "bad language" - he knows it when he sees it and avoids it by his own choice. It's more a case of him being exposed to topics that I'd prefer he be a bit older before he's exposed to them. Yes, parents should monitor their children's online activities (and I do) - but I don't think that responsibility should require a parent watch over their child's shoulder 100% of their online time (doing so, I think, sends a message I do not want to send).
While it is true that there is nothing preventing my (or any other) child from reading any public topic at AF, I think there's a difference between the site being available should one wish to search for it versus directing one's children to it.
Also - it's got to be said: Some of us should not be allowed anywhere near children, online or not. I'm looking at you, Min. I jest.
If the details could be worked out to make it a child-safe zone, I'm totally on board with the idea.
