suggestion

[Lazy Farmer]

Further thought regarding the stalking potential: I do not ever post my town. However, if one were to stalk me, or for that matter, any other BYC member, it's possible that enough info could be posted over time to allow location to be "teased" out. For example: What state thread does the member frequent? Social discussions about activities the member attends, perhaps comments about where one shops.
I know that when I've had a sense that I'm talking to a minor, or that a minor is posting, I will often send a PM if they are becoming too free with their personal information: Reminding them not to post any information that will indicate that they are a minor, not posting location and such. I think as adult members, it's important that we all look out for the more vulnerable members. Perhaps my response in this area is not appropriate? Should I be simply flagging such issues and concerns to the mods? Instead of responding with PM???

I generally stop communications the moment I learn a member is a minor. Politely. It becomes a yes and no conversation only. I feel a bit of awkwardness once the discovery is made. I am old fashioned I suppose.
So I agree with the need for an amenity for minors. Have kids myself and now grand one.
Common since would dictate the need for geographic specifics when asking for a certain kind of expertise, although it is seldom exercised.
It is what it is.
Excellent forum topic from the start of box 1, @lazy gardener

 

[casportpony]

If a minor posts their age I report the post and let the mods do their editing.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Does BYC give guidelines on to how post safely to minor members when they sign up? It would be beneficial for the minors to have a set of rules to keep them safe.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

How about just the state or Providence?

As a requirement? I'd still say that I don't agree with it having to be required.

Please don't get me wrong. I support and agree with everything everyone is saying. I completely understand the frustration.

However, I support the freedom of people being able to make the choice for themselves on whether they want to answer the location question more than I support having it made a requirement for the inconvenience it causes for us. This is regardless of whether it is a minor or not, or a woman or a man. To me it doesn't make a difference who the person is. I support their freedom of choice.

The inconvenience it causes is not a make or break situation.

 

[DuckLady]

Does BYC give guidelines on to how post safely to minor members when they sign up? It would be beneficial for the minors to have a set of rules to keep them safe.

Minors are given warnings for posting their age and other personal info. When you join, you have to click a box to say you are 13 or over. Anyone we find is under that age, we ban immediately. Some things, like internet safety are really a parent's job, though we try to make BYC as safe as possible.

As a requirement? I'd still say that I don't agree with it having to be required.

Please don't get me wrong. I support and agree with everything everyone is saying. I completely understand the frustration.

However, I support the freedom of people being able to make the choice for themselves on whether they want to answer the location question more than I support having it made a requirement for the inconvenience it causes for us. This is regardless of whether it is a minor or not, or a woman or a man. To me it doesn't make a difference who the person is. I support their freedom of choice.

The inconvenience it causes is not a make or break situation.

Absolutely! No one on the internet should be forced to give info they are uncomfortable with. If someone wants help, they should provide the info for the fullest help possible (though if the need is that dire, they shouldn't be looking on a chicken forum for help. We are not vets or psychologists or whatever and shouldn't be claiming to be), but if they don't wish to, that's ok, too. Most situations are general enough that help is easy enough to give without violating personal privacy.
OTOH, sellers and buyers who don't say where they are located are missing out on lost sales or purchasing opportunities, depending on the item for sale. That's totally on them.

I do have this post as a guideline for emergencies.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Minors are given warnings for posting their age and other personal info. When you join, you have to click a box to say you are 13 or over. Anyone we find is under that age, we ban immediately. Some things, like internet safety are really a parent's job, though we try to make BYC as safe as possible.

That’s good to know that minors are given warnings when they sign up.

 

[DuckLady]

The other option is, given enough frustration at this issue, simply stop responding to requests for assistance until the OP has provided all necessary info.

Certainly you can skip over a post you don't want to answer. But the great community spirit of BYC is that anyone should feel welcome and comfortable asking whatever they want. Even if it has been asked before, even if they repeat one just posted or even if they don't post their location.

 

[DuckLady]

That’s good to know that minors are given warnings when they sign up.

They are not given warnings when they sign up. When anyone registers they have to affirm they are 13 or over. Minors are given warnings/infractions if they post identifying themselves as minors or other personal information along with it on the forum.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

They are not given warnings when they sign up. When anyone registers they have to affirm they are 13 or over. Minors are given warnings/infractions if they post identifying themselves as minors or other personal information along with it on the forum.

oh ok

 

[Chullicken]

I would love to have those barricades LOL

I always wanted a tank trap in my back yard..just imagine the possibilities and conversation points!