Yus. Just like any other place on the web that's not intended for children.
We as parents have to raise and talk with our children. It's an illusion believing they won't find their way into sexual related stuff on the web, just like all the shooting games online. If we give them access to the internet we should be aware of the consequences and do our parenting. Sites can only try build up barriers that are meant to keep them outside of stuff that's not intended to their age group. It's up to us to make sure their settings are appropriate and thereby they are kept away from stuff that's not suited for them.
As for the Mug, we have an active audience that do look out for each other. This includes if we believe someone too young should enter the adult network. I know JA had one case, which was dealt with accordingly. Besides from that, seems people got a whole wrong idea, and talking about adultMug based on their own fantasies. We are not allowed sharing porn any place on answerMug, this goes for the adult network and thereby adultMug too. Erotica to some extent is allowed.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at April 5, 2017 3:53 AM MDT
Kids have found their way to sexual and other adult fare since time immemorial. The internet makes it much more available, but ultimately, it is up to parents...to teach them well, to use parental controls, monitor their internet usage, not allow young kids to have cell phones and computers in their bedrooms, etc.
There is excellent community and oversight on the Mug, but such is not the norm online.
Nothing will completely stop kids from finding their way to things, just as it didn't before computers, that's why how they are raised is the most important aspect.
I fully agree. This is what I have done/still do for the youngest. Oldest is now legally seen as sexual adult where we live. I still have talks, but won't interfere with their privacy.
As for raising children, bans and punishment might be effective on a shorter run, but it won't give them an understanding of the why. Motivation and education to reach out and offer an explanation, repeating it until the understanding of the why will in my opinion have them better prepared for life in the longer run. This way they will be able to analyse any situation for themselves, and make the right decisions outnumbering the wrong. Bans are limited as they just create a desire to find loopholes to break them. Hmm.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at April 5, 2017 3:53 AM MDT
I think we are at par on this one. My first comment was made as a confirmation of what you added in your comment for yogafan. I'm sorry if it appeared being me misunderstanding your saying. I wasn't. :-)
Well actually I didn't find my way to anything sexual when I was growing up and neither did any of my friends but then I was raised in a very strict environment and went to a girl's school. I honestly don't think it would have occurred to my parents that I would be seeking out these things.
I have talked to my own children about the internet and what is suitable for them but then I can't supervise them for instance when they go to a friend's house, I know the parents and have been assured that they are not exposed to anything I wouldn't approve of but I know of one person who was horrified at what she discovered her daughter and friend were into on the computer at the friend's house.
As I said to SH, that is precisely why how children are raised is the most important aspect.
Your sheltered childhood is not the norm, in my experience, and sex is something kids are naturally curious about. No matter how well a parent monitors their children, children will be exposed to things.
How does aM know you are who you claim to be?As for kids, aM can only do as good a work as possible. It's up to us, the parents making sure if our kids sign up for anything, online as offline that when they enter they will enter their correct DOB. As goes for aM, the user base inside the adultMug is very aware and try help JA. Ultimately, it will always be us the parents who are responsible for what our minors are up to. Don't blame it on others.
Yogafan, like any other site on the internet, there is just no way to know if someone is lying when they fill out the birth info to join. All the owners can do is cover themselves with a legal disclaimer. Sometimes they are able to figure out that it is a kid responding to questions and then suspend the account. But, as Bozette and SapphicHeart have pointed out, it really is up to parents to monitor their children's internet use. It isn't always easy but, if a parent wants to ensure the safety of their children, whether online or in real life, they need to monitor activities. I worry less about this site than the chat rooms specifically created for children because those are the sites the predators/pedophiles seek out.
I've always felt bad about those places, and monitored who they talked with inside these kids play communities. My kids were instructed not to talk to others than those they know from offline. And I have made they didn't do it any other way.
A child can lie about their age online. That is just a fact. Even sites that require credit cards cannot be sure it isn't a child with a parent's or a stolen credit card. It is impossible for any site to guarantee the age of any user on their site.
I don't mind there being an adult section. my only issue is when one of the adult groups is featured on the main page. For a first time member, that can really give the wrong impression as to what this site is all about. Groups like After Dark and Adult Playpen makes the site look a little trashy when they are posted as the feature group on the main page. There are so many other groups that could be featured instead. If that's how they want to present this site to the public, then so be it.
You've made a good point. I don't believe that is how JA wants to present the site. There should be some way to filter those out from the main page since a person must take extra steps to access the adult area of the site.
Is random feature, having ALL groups turn up in the place holder. I think the general idea behind this, is to promote more activities inside the group sections as they have dropped dramatically since we migrated to the new platform.
I understand, but it still doesn't shine the site in a good light, for some. Regular members know you have to join the adult network to access those groups, brand new members here for the first time do not. It could run some potential new members off. It could give them the false impression that this is what the site is all about.
I doubt that will be the main factor. All the Trump questions have bigger impact when at a peak. Just saying. It's part of this community, as anything else. Religious topics/groups are too, might chase a few away too. Same same. IMO. It actually could be seen as positive too, as this community does an efforts to offer an outlet for more specific topics and thereby keep them outside the main board. Is all about perspective.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at April 6, 2017 9:08 AM MDT
It's the thing. The site presents itself as it is, as our community is. We are all part of it, and so are the questions, and also the groups. If people can't comprehend it all then maybe they don't fit inside?
Benedict Arnold 