While we have always had ad hoc policies in place with respect to minor/adult interaction at Atheist Forums, recent events have underscored the need to formally publish our policy regarding the protection of minors.
Minor Protection Policy Statement
The owner and staff of atheistforums.org ("the site") take the protection of minors from predators very seriously. As the membership consists both of minors and adults in a relatively unrestricted discussion forum that also features private communications, we are immediately implementing this official policy regarding the protection of minor members. This policy overrides and replaces any prior ad hoc policies and procedures.
Staff Responsibility
Any violation of this policy will result in discipline, up to and including permanent removal from the site and/or notifying the appropriate authorities.
Minor Protection Policy Statement
The owner and staff of atheistforums.org ("the site") take the protection of minors from predators very seriously. As the membership consists both of minors and adults in a relatively unrestricted discussion forum that also features private communications, we are immediately implementing this official policy regarding the protection of minor members. This policy overrides and replaces any prior ad hoc policies and procedures.
Staff Responsibility
- The staff is committed to keeping the site free of predators.
- To that end, the staff will cooperate fully with any official investigation of inappropriate contact with minors on this site.
- Likewise, the staff will respond to reports of inappropriate contact promptly and in good faith, in accordance with this policy, and will conduct it's own investigation and take whatever action is deemed necessary.
- Members are responsible for maintaining lawful, age-appropriate contact with minors.
- Members are responsible for reporting any suspected inappropriate contact as soon as possible after being made aware of said contact.
- Persons under a court order restricting contact with minors are not authorized to use the site.
- Any staff or member that is aware of possible inappropriate contact with minor members will notify a staff member via Private Message (PM) or via the site reporting system. It is never appropriate to do so in public forum.
- Any staff member who receives a report of possible inappropriate contact will immediately post the report in the staff forum.
- The site administrators will investigate the allegations, and will take appropriate action, including notifying proper authorities if necessary.
Any violation of this policy will result in discipline, up to and including permanent removal from the site and/or notifying the appropriate authorities.
