I have a suggestion

[Borzoi mad]

It is that if someone registers and gives their date of birth ( I know a child could chose to enter any DOB and register as an adult and you have no way of knowing )but if they do give their true DOB and they are under say 14 years of age I think it would be helful if there could be something put after their name to show that it is a young person. I am suggesting this because I replied to a thread where it was a little girl of 10 had posted and had I been aware that it was a young child I would have responded in an entirely different way.

Know it may not be possible but I would be please if my suggestion could at least be considered, Thank you.

[MoJo]

I agree. I know this website is for all ages, but it does really help. It would help you know exactly how experienced the person really is before taking their advice and trying soething that could be dangerous to the behaviour of your pet, or even poisionous to them (If it were a type of recipe for Raw or somethign along that line) It would really help.

I also agree that a lot of them will lie and put in an older date of birth, but at least we will understand a few of them. I know a lot of 14 yr olds that are VERY intelligent, but there are the few that speak their mind without thinking of the consequences. They are also more likly to start arguements and more.

[xcolbi]

I agree. I think this is a great idea. ;)

[KatzNK9]

I know that I'm more inclined to pay more attention to what I'm posting if I'm talking to kids & take more care in general.

[Doberman's]

Will pass this along to Admin.

Thanks for the suggestion, I too think it is good idea.

[dlambertz]

Just for my imput, I would also like to see "something" with a clue to age as I handle my daughter and daycare children much differently when speaking than when I am speaking to an adult.

[brunosmom]

This is a great idea!!!;)

[applesmom]

With all the predators scouring the intenet these days, I honestly don't believe that children should be allowed to register without their parents knowledge and consent. It's a safety as well as liability issue.

If children are allowed to register without parental consent, their age should not be displayed with each post for anyone that pops in without bothering to register. We don't need to point out the kids to would-be predators.

As it is now, only registered users can view the profile and see the age. This of course doesn't insure anyone's safety, but makes it a little bit less risky for the youngsters.

The information is there in the profile for all registered users to see. It's a simple task if posts seem a little off center to check the users profile.

Before anyone points out that kids are safer on this site than many others, I'll agree with that. However with such a large site it's safe to assume that it's attracted a few predators from time to time.

Let's not unecessarily draw their attention to the kids! If we're going to display their age, keep it in the profile. :2cents:

[The Muttlies]

My two cents...

There's a rule on another forum that children of the age 13 and under are not permitted to register on the forum.

I've always liked the rule - even with I was 13 (I waited to join the forum and joined a few months after I turned 13.)

Just a suggestion to add while on the subject. :)

[Borzoi mad]

With all the predators scouring the intenet these days, I honestly don't believe that children should be allowed to register without their parents knowledge and consent. It's a safety as well as liability issue.

If children are allowed to register without parental consent, their age should not be displayed with each post for anyone that pops in without bothering to register. We don't need to point out the kids to would-be predators.

As it is now, only registered users can view the profile and see the age. This of course doesn't insure anyone's safety, but makes it a little bit less risky for the youngsters.

The information is there in the profile for all registered users to see. It's a simple task if posts seem a little off center to check the users profile. *****
Before anyone points out that kids are safer on this site than many others, I'll agree with that. However with such a large site it's safe to assume that it's attracted a few predators from time to time.

Let's not unecessarily draw their attention to the kids! If we're going to display their age, keep it in the profile. :2cents:

This suggestion has nothing to do with whether or not these youngster are on the forum with or without their parents consent. The fact is that whether we agree with it or not this forum allows youngster to join ****and my suggesion came from having checked quite a few profiles and their is no age shown on them and some of them have no information shown to give other members a guide to their age so members have no way of knowing how old a poster is .

[Doberman's]

Good points everyone and something more for Admin to consider.

There is one issue I see, if someone wants to lie about thier age we really have no way of telling. Most of the time you can tell by the posts themselves and how they are written but there are some that you can not tell by the posts. Either way it is hard to police that is for sure.

[The Muttlies]

Very true point Dobermans, however, in the past the kiddies usually end up getting caught. Along the line somewhere, they end up showing their true age.

I know it's probably a lot different these days (although it wasn't TOO long ago) but if something said I was not allowed to be there because I was X y.o. then I strictly followed that. I suppose I was too scared to do otherwise?

[KatzNK9]

I think this is a great place for kids to learn about proper dog care but I really do think it would benefit most members to know when kids are posting just so we can reply accordingly (and hopefully show some extra patience with them).

[Borzoi mad]

I think this is a great place for kids to learn about proper dog care but I really do think it would benefit most members to know when kids are posting just so we can reply accordingly (and hopefully show some extra patience with them).

Me too Katz , have to say I think the earlier they learn the better after all they will be the dog owners of tomorrow and if we can help toward them becoming responsible and caring owners then surely that can only be a good thing. So if members are aware that it is a young person posting they can word their reply in such a way that it does not deter the youngster from asking more questions and really becoming involved in the discussion at their own level of understanding.

[applesmom]

This suggestion has nothing to do with whether or not these youngster are on the forum with or without their parents consent. The fact is that whether we agree with it or not this forum allows youngster to join ****and my suggesion came from having checked quite a few profiles and their is no age shown on them and some of them have no information shown to give other members a guide to their age so members have no way of knowing how old a poster is .

True. The parent's consent comment is just a reaction to the knowledge of dangers facing kids on the internet and thinking aloud in print!;)

If we're going to list the childrens ages at all, it would provide a little more security for them if the information were kept in their profile; and not on continuous display for anyone just surfing through.

No one would argue against the premise that the earlier kids learn about proper care of their pets and responsible pet ownership, the better.

But the safety of the children themselves must always take top priority!

[Doberman's]

I think that information about age should be kept to the Directors only that way as Directors we can inform a member as we see fit rather then it being out in the public forum. :) This way a young person is protected.

[applesmom]

I think that information about age should be kept to the Directors only that way as Directors we can inform a member as we see fit rather then it being out in the public forum. :) This way a young person is protected.

I couldn't agree more! You've got my yea vote on that one!:)

[Borzoi mad]

I think that information about age should be kept to the Directors only that way as Directors we can inform a member as we see fit rather then it being out in the public forum. :) This way a young person is protected.


If that is the decision then fine but can you did agree with me to begin with. and now this about turn. Sorry I still think there should be someway to make members aware that it is a young person posting in order to enable member to respond to their posts accordingly.

[Doberman's]

If that is the decision then fine but can you did agree with me to begin with. and now this about turn. Sorry I still think there should be someway to make members aware that it is a young person posting in order to enable member to respond to their posts accordingly.


I did agree but after reading the issues brought up I saw it needed more thought. I think that keeping info out of public view is the ONLY way to protect a young person from a potential predator. If a Director sees a thread going south then it will be the Director who will advise the members.

I do not want to see predators trolling our site looking for youngsters to prey upon and I am sure no one does. This is a better way to protect everyon involved.

[brunosmom]

Is there a way for us to know they are a minor with out actually showing their age?....maybe just mark them as .... minor members.....:)

[vagreys]

Hi folks. Displaying information about minors is something we have to be very careful about. We can't violate COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998), in the process.

I understand the concern, and we do talk differently to children than we do to other adults. In some respects, though, we should be treating all members with equal respect, patience, and tolerance. I know that is sometimes difficult, when we feel passionately about something. We have all the time we need when writing (versus speaking), to think about how to word something and how to re-write it.

We have adult newbies as well as children, all of whom may be naive, innocent, ignorant -- pick a term -- and they all deserve a gentle response. In that regard, posting a flag on age shouldn't matter. While that doesn't address vocabulary, it does address tone.

One thing I look at, that is present on every public profile, whether or not the member posts their age information, is the number of posts. Someone who has a low post count, I try to be a little gentler with them (unless I think it is a troll or someone spamming). Regardless of age, if they have little posting experience, they may not express themselves the way they intended.

Because it draws attention to minors, I am against doing anything that might draw the attention of predators toward our younger members, such as flagging members as minors. If they choose to reveal their age, I don't know if we can do anything about that, but I'd rather not make it any easier for a potential predator than absolutely necessary.

[applesmom]

Hi folks. Displaying information about minors is something we have to be very careful about. We can't violate COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998), in the process.

I understand the concern, and we do talk differently to children than we do to other adults. In some respects, though, we should be treating all members with equal respect, patience, and tolerance. I know that is sometimes difficult, when we feel passionately about something. We have all the time we need when writing (versus speaking), to think about how to word something and how to re-write it.

We have adult newbies as well as children, all of whom may be naive, innocent, ignorant -- pick a term -- and they all deserve a gentle response. In that regard, posting a flag on age shouldn't matter. While that doesn't address vocabulary, it does address tone.

One thing I look at, that is present on every public profile, whether or not the member posts their age information, is the number of posts. Someone who has a low post count, I try to be a little gentler with them (unless I think it is a troll or someone spamming). Regardless of age, if they have little posting experience, they may not express themselves the way they intended.

Because it draws attention to minors, I am against doing anything that might draw the attention of predators toward our younger members, such as flagging members as minors. If they choose to reveal their age, I don't know if we can do anything about that, but I'd rather not make it any easier for a potential predator than absolutely necessary.

Thank you!:thumb:

[Doberman's]

Is there a way for us to know they are a minor with out actually showing their age?....maybe just mark them as .... minor members.....:)


At the moment no there is not. The only way you can tell is if said member has their age listed on their profile other then that you can take an eductaed guess by reading their posts. ;)

Good info Tom but is that an American law ? I do not know of such a Law here in Canada, if there is that is good.

[vagreys]

At the moment no there is not. The only way you can tell is if said member has their age listed on their profile other then that you can take an eductaed guess by reading their posts. ;)

Good info Tom but is that an American law ? I do not know of such a Law here in Canada, if there is that is good.
Oops. Yes, COPPA is a U.S. law. There is no equivalent in Canada.

[chase_pike]

im thirteen and have been here longer than some of the directors and just wanted to say i dont want t o be treated diffrently, or as a "MINOR MEMBER". I do however realize its not my choice but i just find it unfair

[mytwoboys]

I'm a member of several other forums, and the way minors post is usually an indicator of age. It's really not that hard to tell, most of the time. But I really agree with what one of the directors said earlier, we should be treating all posters with gentleness, what difference should it make if they are 13 or 30?

[Yellow Dog]

im thirteen and have been here longer than some of the directors and just wanted to say i dont want t o be treated diffrently, or as a "MINOR MEMBER". I do however realize its not my choice but i just find it unfair

I agree. Lots of people say that talking to me is like talking to a younger looking adult. I really think age shouldn't matter in places like this because my parents always told me that NOTHING should get in the way of having a good educational experience. Now my parents don't mean to go drive a car for an "Educational" experience, but that age is just a number, so really does it really matter? :( Well, I have put my opinion in this discussion and I would think that the other "Younger" members agree with me.

[Doberman's]

im thirteen and have been here longer than some of the directors and just wanted to say i dont want t o be treated diffrently, or as a "MINOR MEMBER". I do however realize its not my choice but i just find it unfair


:D:D Not me !!! :D

I agree you should not be treat differently.


I think with ALL new memebrs we need to be " gentle " as they learn about our community regardless of their age.

[Yellow Dog]

Anyway, the word MINOR sounds more like unimportant than young. I think if you ABSOLUTELY have to do this, use less harsh of a word than that please.

[Doberman's]

Anyway, the word MINOR sounds more like unimportant than young. I think if you ABSOLUTELY have to do this, use less harsh of a word than that please.

We do not have to do this we are just hashing it out. :)

Don't worry we will protect our young members and will not use the word minor. :)

[Yellow Dog]

We do not have to do this we are just hashing it out. :)

Don't worry we will protect our young members and will not use the word minor. :)

Oh, ok Good :p I really never liked the term when it's synonyms are: lesser, inferior, junior, secondary, insignificant, minor-league, lower and unimportat (Just off the top of my mind)

[Doberman's]

Oh, ok Good :p I really never liked the term when it's synonyms are: lesser, inferior, junior, secondary, insignificant, minor-league, lower and unimportat (Just off the top of my mind)


Hmmm.....minor league :D Sounds like baseball. ;) You guys are never minor league and I totally understand where you are coming from. Duly noted . :)

[Borzoi mad]

I feel I have to post this in support of my suggestion . In no way was this intended to belittle any younger members and I am sorrythat some of you seem to have taken this the wrong way, but in my opinion there is a big difference between a young 10 year old and an older child, and the age 14 was merely a guideline and not to be taken personally. I am sorry if this suggestion has upset some of you but everyone is entitled to their opinion young or old.

As Dobermans said this is only being discussed and I'm sure those younger member who have posted in this thread are mature enough to accept this.

[Lulu25]

Just my two cents on this one. I would be cautious with the flagging of younger members. I would never encourage a child to make their age known either by identifying themselves plainly or making it painfully obvious by their writing. Its just a really bad set up . Kids who broadcast their age on the internet are asking for extra attention, and in some cases get it from the sickos who prowl the internet.

I would rather have some child a little put off by what was said than become a victim of a predator. And besides if they aren't mature enough to have a discussion where someone would potentially disagreeing with them, then maybe this is not a place for them to be. I think we should just be courteous and gentle with everyone. I understand the desire not to hurt a kid. I also understand hesitating to take someone's advice, but I think at some point it becomes our own responsibility to check up on the advice we give and more importantly receive. I think we should facilitate the learning of younger members but I just don't think its a good idea for us or them to be blaring it out for the whole world to see.

Perhaps guidelines for posting should be included somewhere. They could include a reminder to be courteous and perhaps a suggestion on identifying yourself as a newbie if you want extra-gentle responses. My first posts included that I was new to the site and dog care and people were gentle with me. I would also encourage parent involvement with really young posters.

[Borzoi mad]

LuLu25

Just my two cents worth in reply to your post.

I agree and I would never encourage a child to make their age and known and I was not suggesting this when I posted my suggestion I was asking the people who run the site if they could come up with some way of identifying younger members to the membership.

I too do not want to see a child become a victim of a predator or sicko on the internet and I agree that sometimes you can tell the age by how they word their posts , but not always. You also mention that if the child is not mature enough to be having a discussion where someone would potentially disagree with them then maybe this is not the place to be I take your point and agree with you to some extent but this forum allows younger members and whether or not you or I agree with this it is allowed . The youngster responsible for my posting this suggestion in the first place I later discovered was very young and while I was not discourteous to the child I would have chosen to handle my reply differently had I known her tender age. If you go to this child's thread "Want to know about the breed(s) of Dogs you have " and look at my last reply to her post and look at first picture I have chosen to post and how I have worded my reply you will perhaps understand what I mean . If this had been an adult my reply though the same would have been worded slghtly differently and I would probably have used different pictures.

[skunkstripe]

I agree and I would never encourage a child to make their age and known and I was not suggesting this when I posted my suggestion I was asking the people who run the site if they could come up with some way of identifying younger members to the membership.


At the risk of rehashing what has already been said...
If we could be certain that only well-meaning members had access to the information that someone is a minor, there would not be much of a problem. However, there are nutsos out there (and these are not the members who are posting, but those who are lurking) who might want to take advantage of someone very young, which is why we have laws like COPPA in the US. I think our hands our tied frankly, because anything that would identify younger members to the membership would also do the same for the internet predators, and no one wants that.
As far as responding to posts, that is something that you can never know 100 %. Someone can be an adult with poor writing skills, a child who writes very well, someone who is in a hurry and leaves out critical information, or even a troll looking to get people riled up. My experience is that until someone has posted several times you really don't know for sure how to take a thread or remark, so unless they have written in such a way as to make it clear, the cautious approach is never wrong. :)
In part this is the function of the newbies intro threads. People can say a little bit about themselves and if they choose to do so, it can help members in deciding how to respond.
Of course if you are still unsure of how to respond, there are the options of asking for clarification.

[ladyphoenix]

i would think its ok for all ages to ask questions about their pets on this forum, unless the forum is adult related which dog topics is not, right?

[KatzNK9]

i would think its ok for all ages to ask questions about their pets on this forum, unless the forum is adult related which dog topics is not, right?

Yes, of course. I think the original reason for this was to make sure that the adults are looking out for kids & being able to know the difference when responding.

[Borzoi mad]

Yes, of course. I think the original reason for this was to make sure that the adults are looking out for kids & being able to know the difference when responding.

Thanks Katz that was exactly the original reason for this thread. :cheers:

[Taeric]

While that is a very noble idea, by pointing out the younger members to those that would treat them in a manner appropriate to their age, the downside (pointing them to potential predators) is too great to ignore. Unfortunately, there's no way to accomplish the good without risking the bad. This is definitely the case of a very small minority ruining things for the vast majority of good people out there.