[TriLUG] OT: at what age would you setup email for a child

[Ric Moore]

On 12/01/2014 03:36 PM, Ken MacKenzie wrote:
> I realize this is a highly variable question.  I think the answer I like is
> "when they ask for it".  I guess I am trying to plan ahead and realize that
> I did not really grow up with email around to the scale it is today.  I
> have a feeling by 13 it will be asked for.
>
> Ken
>
> On Mon, Dec 1, 2014 at 3:32 PM, Igor Partola <igor at igorpartola.com> wrote:
>
>> That's a bit over the top because nowadays kids under the age of 18
>> definitely need email for things like school projects. Also take a look at
>> this:
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Online_Privacy_Protection_Act.
>> Highlights: for users under age 13, there are additional restrictions on
>> website operators for how to collect personal information. The opposite of
>> that means that if you are older than 13, you have slightly less
>> protection.
>>
>> My personal opinion is that it should be on a case-by-case basis: if the
>> child is mature, and a critical thinker, then email (and other web usage)
>> at a younger age may be more appropriate than for someone who is older, yet
>> not mature enough. There will be no magic number here as everyone's a bit
>> different. A good test would be this: show them their favorite music video
>> on YouTube. Then show them the comments section. If their first impulse is
>> to reply, don't let them online :).

Heh, my kids at 13 wanted to drive a car, too. I had to say no. :/ Ric



-- 
My father, Victor Moore (Vic) used to say:
"There are two Great Sins in the world...
..the Sin of Ignorance, and the Sin of Stupidity.
Only the former may be overcome." R.I.P. Dad.
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