”Non-PG13” prefix in Sex and Puberty

[TheNumber42]

So, I've noticed a lot of ”Non-PG13” threads in sex and puberty. It doesn't make sense to me to have this prefix on them there when there is a specific Non-PG13 forum for the topic. It seems kind of like an irregular standard. Like, why have the separate forum if someone can make one of those? And likewise, why let people make those when we already have the forum?


Thoughts?

[WashoutThePain]

Some of the users are too young to see the non-PG13 forum So they use the prefix. Also, some of the advice can be on the fence, so adding a prefix can work for that. I'll check more for the age thing, but normally it's because he/she is not 16 or over.

[hecanandWILLchangeyou]

If they are not old enough then they do not need to make the thread simple as that. To be frank they need to block underage users from viewing those threads ANYWHERE on the forum not just in sex.

[Gingerbread Latte]

I think it's a bit harsh to stop younger users from viewing non PG-13 sex threads. I mean when I was 15 on here and I couldn't use the non PG-13 I was sometimes a bit annoyed because some of the things I wanted to post were non PG-13. Now I can use them I basically knew everything they have in them when I was under 16.

[hecanandWILLchangeyou]

We say things need to stay PG-13 or lower so either take that out of the terms of service, take ALL non-13 threads out for everyone or block people under 16 or 17 from viewing them. I was 14.5 when I joined couldn't view age of consent threads for 1.5 years it drove me crazy, it was annoying but I DELT with it.

[noise94]

But then what happens when the people with the problems are under 16? They can't view their own threads? Doesn't sound practical to me.

[Jack]

Frankly, I'd rather have underage users being able to ask these questions and put a "Non-PG 13" label on it than deny them the answers they need and force them to either (a) go elsewhere for answers or (b) go off and make potentially life ruining mistakes. These mistakes are not something you can simpy tell them to "deal with" when we could prevent them with the use of a simple prefix.

Most people read more graphic things in the chatroom anyway and half the time the prefix is more there as a precaution in case their post could be considered graphic rather than because it is actually non-pg 13.

[hecanandWILLchangeyou]

They can also use Live Help or HelpLink if they need help yjay bad with things that they arent surpposed to be expossed to yet.

[Adam]

I don't think that any users should be forced to use alternative methods (Even within TeenHelp) for gaining advice if they are of a certain age. If a 13 year old female had perhaps done certain things that she was curious about, or needed to know how to get help for certain issues, then they should be quite within their right to do so.

The PG-13 forum is to hide more non PG-13 topics from users who don't need to see them. This is different from the prefix. The prefix is there to give a warning that content may not be suitable for certain users.

As far as I am aware, as the system stands... it allows users over 16 to discuss topics of a more sexual nature, but also allows those under 16 to ask questions of a sexual nature if they wish to. It doesn't allow users under the age of 16 to expose themselves to issues and facts that they may not already know, but allows them to get support and advice on those issues that they do know about (or are inquisitive).

I personally think that it should stay this way. Although if you do have an issues, I would be happy to discuss it with the Operations and Procedures Committee

Adam.

[Stardaze]

Yeah, i also think that it's not very fair.
Their could be a 13-15 year old that is in need of help, and they wouldn't even be able to post it if it was "non PG-13"
Of course then can use other things like HelpLink, but still. :|

[eunoia]

The Motion Picture Association of America, from which we borrow the phrase "PG-13", defines this rating as:

A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them.

And I agree with the above definition. It has nothing to do with people aged 16, it is meant to protect people aged 12 and younger. We attempt to keep things within or below a PG-13 rating on TeenHelp, but as we help people of all ages things will sometimes be unsuitable for young audiences. This doesn't mean we won't help them, and it doesn't mean a 14 year old that can't access the Non PG-13 Discussion forum doesn't have questions that a 12 year old may not.

Considering that, I can't say I mind at all that this prefix is used in the Sex and Puberty forum or anywhere else. Best of both worlds, yeah?

[Casey.]

Originally Posted by Angelina.

Of course then can use other things like HelpLink, but still. :|

I'm guessing I'm not the only one here, but it gets a bit tiring giving sex ed lessons via helplink and live help, when they can use a nonpg-13 label if needed on the forums. Taking that out, would mean either a lot of younger kids would ask sex questions via HelpLINK, or that they'll go somewhere else.

And, I have to add, most kids here have been exposed to a lot of sex stuff at a young age. Taking away that label would make it harder for them to get help or understand some of the more mature things they come across. Because, like it or not, google is not always the best idea.

So, let's keep the label, and move on to something more fascinating, like the weather?

[Kate*]

Originally Posted by Cas*

I'm guessing I'm not the only one here, but it gets a bit tiring giving sex ed lessons via helplink and live help, when they can use a nonpg-13 label if needed on the forums. Taking that out, would mean either a lot of younger kids would ask sex questions via HelpLINK, or that they'll go somewhere else.

I second this, because what if the LHO doesn't feel like giving tons of sex ed lessons. There are also better places to go than here.

[Lizzie]

Hi

So, all users are allowed to use what prefixes are available to them. If they weren’t allowed to use them, they wouldn’t be available for them to use, simple as that. In all honesty, it’s not that big of a deal that people are using the non pg-13 prefix a lot. Yes we do have a specific non pg-13 forum that is allowed for our users 16 years and older to use. But that does not mean that users 15 years or younger are not allowed to use the non pg-13 prefix in their threads.
If a 15 year old thinks that their thread might not be appropriate for a 12 year old, as there are some on this forum, then I think it is great that they use that prefix and inform the other users of the content of that thread. And seeing as it is a sex thread, where else are they going to put it other then the sex and puberty forum?
Now if anyone thinks that users younger then 13 should not be able to see non pg-13 threads, or any other changes to the site or it’s rules, then that would be more suitable sent to O&PC to discuss, as they are the staff members who would actually be able to make the necessary site changes.
But for now, seeing as there really isn’t any incident going on and everyone is following the rules, I am going to close this. Please forward all site suggestions and improvement ideas to the O&PC. Thanks.