Should the FFN Restrict Access to Only Those 18 and Above?

Without getting into the pro's and con's of having junior firefighter / fire explorer involvement, I read a post that discussed a topic that police have been attempting to get removed off the internet. While I realize that the is the USA, where we have freedom of speech, this is not my concern at all. What I don't like is seeing certain discussions, created by adults, and participated by minors.

One recent link on homemade chemical bombs went into detail on how to make one of your own. However, law enforcement folks feel differently. One internet article I read stated:

"Police in Japan are urging internet service providers to block websites which publish instructions on how to produce the hydrogen sulfide gas."

It's not that I have anything against juniors or explorers, it's just that some of the materials presented here on the FFN are not suitable, in my opinion, for children. It's not that the material cannot be easily found on the internet. It is the point that they shouldn't learn here on the FFN how to do things that could hurt themselves or others. Remember, we are talking about children here, not adults.

Children are not done maturing and often times make decisions that just don't make sense. We should not be their enablers. People should post responsibly because children are openly allowed to participate in discussions with adults.

If a junior / explorer tried something at home that they learned here on the FFN, and was hurt or killed in the process, would there be any legal ramifications for the person who posted the materials or the FFN?

Maybe it's time to consider restricting access to those over the age of 18?

Anyone else feel the same way? Am I being too overcautious here?

CBz

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Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on February 11, 2010 at 5:56pm

Not to put too fine a point on it but...doesn't professional usually imply a paid job?
Then again and without pointing fingers at anyone, I suppose if you were paid in twinkies and yoohoos that would still make you a paid professional (and of course, morbidly obese but hey...that's not really my point)

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on February 11, 2010 at 5:57pm

HALLELUJAHHHH BRO!!! You got a hardy AMEN from the Fireyguy on that one.

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on February 11, 2010 at 8:34pm

i was a very valuble asset to my department so dont try and say kids are stupid or anything like that. get a life and pick on someone ur own age

Who is saying kids are stupid? Nobody, just that the focus for a kid still in school should be school, not the fire service. No one is saying you were not an asset with your dept, but there is no reason for a dept to utilize minors in the course of operations. Some things, like firefighting, can wait until one turns 18, that is the basic premise of this thread. For those who are fearful this would change things for juniors, it won't, the web chief made that clear.