Should there be a age restriction

Whoa, remember, there's many teens who don't have to read about something to know about it graphically, I'm sure there's many adults on this forum who were abused long before they were teenagers. Age isn't the best indicator of needs. And teens learn of these things regardless - it's in their peer-groups, especially online, and it's on tv, in the news, available whether it's directed to them or not. As for contributing to the community, we can choose what we listen to. There's plenty of older people who know less about how to cope than teenagers - I've had some offer me advice in the past and I just have to filter it out.

In our society age works about as well as a stereotype - it sets a general idea of what a group of people are like, but must be set aside when dealing with an individual group or person until more is known - it's a tool, not a rule.

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. . . but could you really tell me how to cope with life when you haven't experienced real live yourself.

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That's an unfair statement.

So your saying that I am that even though a younger person is born into a cold world which it can be sometimes. That they havn't experienced real life at all. Well to tell you I started happy when I was really young child until I found out the truth, lies, felt pain and much more at teenage years. Thats when I felt a ton of bricks fall of me! If I wasn't born I wouldn't have to go through real life at all. When is real life getting married, having a baby, starting a job... well those things sound scary and hard for me to imagine or happen. This is real life right now there is only one life right now to me this is it. I will know that as I grow older I mean if than life would get harder or easier depends... but I'm telling you now and asking you a question sorry but why are there more teenagers commiting suicide everyday more than adults...? Did they ever experienced real life at all to do so!

Miss A,

With all humility I have to say that you are really rockin!

One of the best disoveries of my life was realising that we can learn just as much, more even, from the young than from the old. Youth is about being open and exploring the world with new eyes, age is about coping with what we have found.

I once wrote a poem about my daughter in which I say "she was my parent , just as I was hers". I mean that all relationships are two way, they have to be or they are not relationships.

Good on you, Miss A.

((((((((((((((((((((myzen))))))))))))))))))))))) well said!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings Taonuviel you were only saying the truth. I just feel bad that I'm stopping people from posting their hard time problems because of an 14 year old. I don't find the words triggering for me at all. I like to listen, give hugs and try my best to help. But if you really don't want me to read your posts can you put a password system that way if you want to read the post by doing so PM the person. Always comming up with new ideas. I hope that we find away around this so that I won't get in the way or stop in people from posting how they feel inside...

Miss A why do you think you are the youngest person posting here?

Because I haven't came across a teenager who admits there age on this forum. Have you...?

I'm more curious as to why you aren't happy with feeling like the youngest here. ff_topic:

I'm not unhappy that I feel like the youngest don't really mind. But why is there going to be a teen forum again?

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This is how I feel right now but somehow something is making me stay here even though I know I'm not happy.[/quote'] That is what I was referring to. Oh, now that you have the poll, what will you do with the information it displayed? Can you comment about how the responses make you feel?

Excellent idea.

btw DE you been peeking in my closet? (Purple dress, red hat.)

How old should someone be to access these forums?
Users may choose only one (33 total votes)
12+
-
12% (4)
13+
-
03% (1)
14+
-
06% (2)
15+
-
06% (2)
16+
-
21% (7)
17+
-
06% (2)
18+
-
30% (10)
Dunno
-
15% (5)

To me I personal think the best age for people to read and reply to post is 16+. I really think if a 14 year old can be this mature so can be a 16 old for these forums. 18+ seems too old then getting more younger people to join these forums they wouldn't because waiting to get to the age of 18+ when by then it seems too late to speak about their past as a teenager because they would be an adult and being older means more resonspility in life. 12+ seems unfortanally not the right age to be dicussing such triggering problems plus maturity would grow abit later depending on the person. 13+ Although you proberly could get away with it but as they are fully a teenager their going to go through alot of emotional changes which I have learned. You seem to get depressed during teenager years though some kids do and most adults also do. But different types of depression and I really want to understand from your point of view! 15+ Sound in the middle once again same with 17+. 14+ as I'm that age I can only say it depends on the person who is 14 whether they can commincate in a well mannered way and mature to others. Dunno is a good vote for as forums are forums people do lie about their age only because maybe they just want someone to talk too or look out for... I'm sure 16+ is the right age for triggering posts.

All I can say now is lets just see how it all goes with the teen forum?

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you are mature for your age but could you really tell me how to cope with life when you haven't experienced real live yourself.

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I think what Kathie meant is that she's lived a longer life and experienced much more than a 14 yr old could since she is still living at home. Kathie looks old enough to have been out on her own and had responsibilities and problems that Miss _A couldn't possibly have had... regardless of her maturity.

Because (not you at all) some of the younger ones are being immature. The comment that I made was a little harsh. I know that you are smart enough to know what you can and should not read. Miss A I look at you as a fellow peer not as a kid. You are too mature for that title.

Ok I think that you have read my mind SeptemberMorn.

You are right, NOBODY said anyone would be kicked off due to age.
I also agree, I think this is all being misinterpreted.
I'd say "relax everyone" and see what comes up in time.
I believe the original post was not to start a debate, or have people get all defensive.
LMo, is right, this is all being misinterpreted.
I'm sure there are many special teen forums on the internet for "teens" and may be helpful to teens.
At the same time if a teen cares to view this site, that's cool too, but I think going to a site designed for teens, wouldn;'t be a bad idea, and me saying this should not be interpreted as being kicked out or excluded.
I think this thread has started to exhaust itself, Miss A started a poll,opinions were given and suggestions shared.
It is up to Doc John to decide if we add on a teen forum, if so we will need to have moderators for that forum, so it may take some time before it all happens.
Patience can be a rewarding thing

DE

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12+ 12% (4)
13+ 03% (1)
14+ 06% (2)
15+ 06% (2)
16+ 21% (7)
17+ 06% (2)
18+ 30% (10)
Dunno 15% (5)

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hmmm so half of those who responded feel that under 16 is ok and the other half wish 16 or over. But of 7k+ members, this isn't significant is it? I think you wished for a certain outcome, yet I'm not sure which way you wanted us to vote!

I'm not sure where you're reading the other data you posted. (I do tend to become confused when it doesn't seem logical to me, sorry.)

Miss, for some reason you feel too young to be posting here. I'm hoping you can find the source of that.

Also, you've mentioned teen suicide in your posts here... if you are feeling so desperate and suicidal, please seek real life support now... don't put it off. It's good to hear you are in therapy, and I trust you are discussing these frustrations with your T.

Perhaps you wish to have a teen forum because there is a particular issue that you wish to discuss, but not with adults? Could you find the closest forum for the problem and post there? I think nearly everyone who is fairly active here realizes your issues as a teen, and will try to post more accordingly. OK? TC

LOL Kathie, I read your words. I'm probably old enough to be your grandmother and Jennie's so I've had experience in not becoming defensive as quickly.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Kathie}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Okay, so I will say one more thing. If I were still a teen and was the one I was, I would not be posting in a teen forum as I wouldbe looking for adult support and my issues were not regular teen issues. At least back then no one spoke of the torture I lived and the hatred I endured for being alive. Miss A, please relax, be who you are and in my opinion age matters diddly poo. My baby graduated highschool tonight and she is 17 and so incredibly wise, she has taught me more then anyone in my life. She has helped me to learn to love people even when they are being poo-heads, she has taught me to see things fully and much more. And she too knows the "real world" having been molested at an early age and suffering from OCD for 10 years. We are who we are, age is pretty irrelavant to me. I want you to move away from this issue now okay? No I am not parenting you, I am saying the same to you as I would anyone. Maybe you want to ask to have this thread locked now so you can move on and get and give the support you are so good at.

Excellent point

I have asked for the thread to be locked thanks wise women and darkeyes for suggesting that. But now I see that most people have voted for 18 years old that is a senisable age group but would it be too old to start joining when they have to talk about their pasts. I feel 16 years old should be the best in bewteen and reasponly understandable. 13 years old , I think that they can post but can't reply to such a dramitic problem. I'm 14 going to be 15...the teen forum sounds ok, but its going to take a lot of work to do for what it is. I can't make the decision myself as its you guys and gals that need to think what you are comfortable using these forums. Feel free to PM me about this topic, if need too!

i do feel that a teen forum would be a good thing.

i'm certain that there are those amongst us who would volunteer to moderate..if we went with it, moderators could rotate (as a full time mod, there, might be a bit much).

i definitely support you, Miss A, in your search for answers to your questions. i feel that posting with other teens and having feedback from them, could help you with your issues.

i know that i have issues that i'm not comfortable posting about here. it's just an age thing.

i also feel this thread could be closed. pat

I agree with you, Pat, that the thread should be closed. Doc John has already said he'd give it due consideration so I don't know why it had to be brought up again.

You know... when my mother told me "no" to something and I kept arguing or pleading my case, it went worse for me. When the parent figure or the authority figure makes a decision, it is final. I taught my kids and now my grandkids the same thing.

We haven't been told "no" here, but we know Doc John is considering the issue. LEAVE IT ALONE, ALREADY! It always annoyed me so bad when my kids kept at me and kept at me. They quickly found out if they didn't allow me to think about it, it would be an automatic "NO!"