Does Yahoo have an obligation to remove posts that further victimize traumatized children like Shawn Hornbeck?

Question

Many of the posts regarding the nightmare of Shawn are repugnant at best. He has lived through years of fear and separation from his family at such a young age - and survived. He is extraordinary.

I wonder how many people posting here have lived through a single minute of the terror he felt for the past 4+ years. And yet thoughtless anonymous opinions are spat about and blind points of view are on display for the world to read.
Yahoo states (http://docs.yahoo.com/info/values/) "We share an infectious sense of mission to make an impact on society".
"Yahoo is also committed to...inspire people to make a positive impact on their communities" (http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/overview.cfm). Listed are affiliations with NPO's such as BBBS and Missing Children Alerts.

I can't help but wonder...if Yahoo TRULY cares about children...why is it hosting material that hurts them?
Shawn and other abused children most likely have access to the internet. Heaven forbid they find this.

I agree it's up to us to report violations of the guidlines. More people should be making themselves heard.

But isn't it also up to us to stand up and protect those who need help?

People watching and doing nothing caused Shawn to be held captive (physically or psychologically-it makes no difference) much longer than he had to be.

This is not a matter or whether or not Yahoo should be ALLOWED to keep these posts online. Of course it's allowed. I agree with Lucy7 about Freedom of Speech.

This is a matter of whether Yahoo is going to step up and PROVE that it stands by its proclaimed values - or if it's all just a bunch of fluff written to make us feel good about logging in.

I don't believe for a second this cannot be remedied. Yahoo wrote its own guidelines. It can ammend them.

I do not believe the posts here could not impede the healing of a teenage boy in this situation. It's hard enough for teens to defend their masculinity without the whole world questioning it.

The only thing I've come up with so far, Idanna, requires everyone to act and let Yahoo know that you have been inspired to "make a positive impact on [your] community" and you would like to start by helping a child's nightmare end with a little more dignity and compassion.

Tell everyone you know who cares enough to take 10 minutes of their time to call (1-408-349-1572) - or email (can't find address). Maybe posting more answers here (or asking more questions along the same lines) will catch their attention.

I think a lot of times enough people throwing fits are needed in order to make changes.

I'm sorry...I hate to keep adding to my post. I just wanted to clarify something.

*I am not in any way speaking about taking ALL of the posts regarding Shawn or other abused children off the boards. It is imperative to keeping children safe that more and more people become aware of what can happen. We all need constant reminders so we don't lose that sense of urgency and become lax.

I'm speaking of the posts that have derogatory comments listed about Shawn or other children which are just stupid and cruel and serve no purpose. I understand that some people are just mean and we have to overlook the things they write. But if they can be deleted for the simple sake of decency then why wouldn't we want that?

Thank you

Answer 1

OMG finally somebody who wants to help instead of speculating about the case. I think that Yahoo has an obligation to Shawn, for God's sake he's been through a lot. I heard a lot of other sites closed his profiles because people tend to comment a lot. I really think they should do something about unnecessary posts at least until he gets some room to breath. But how do we make them do that?

Answer 2

Yahoo as a sexually abused child from age 5-14 I feel it is your duty as a worldleader to keep all posts as alive as possible.

Even on Oprah this young man stated he tried the best he could to communicate by giving hints on his parents website he was alive.

If he didnt want any attention (Im not saying) he or his beautiful Mom or Step Dad are seeking it and it was all hush hush then Yes perhaps respecting his rights would be apprioprate, however shining light on this subject gives ALL Missing and or exploited children hope that they may be found. Thank You

Answer 3

I don't think those statements automatically lead to an endorsement of censorship. It's up to us to report those posts on the basis of already established violation guidelines. If you can make it fit one of those, it can be removed.
Really, anyone who has been through anything knows that gossip will follow. From that, we also learn that we have supporters as well, and it's the supporters who will overcome the detractors. Gossip is the least of Shawn's problems.

Answer 4

Sadly and unfortunately, it's called Freedom of Speech. I believe in Freedom of Speech, but not when it hurts a child. Especially when it's a child, like Shawn, that has been through who knows what. Will he ever get over it? Will his parents? Why is it when someone flipped Bush the bird, she lost her job, but when someone says something about a child, it's ok.

Answer 5

i totally agree. i live in st.louis and its just out of controll. its a very good story, but the poor boys need to be left alone. ben ownby cant go anywhere with out being reconized and wants to return to normal but cant, as well as shawn horbeck. its bad. im just so thankful therye ok.

Answer 6

I agree with you here.

Answer 7

They should.