When a child comes on here?

Question

that says she is 12 years old. . .is it really our place to answer her religious questions? I think she needs to talk w/ her parents or teachers not strangers on the internet. I am a Christian but I really don't want to put my views onto someone else's child at the age of 12. What do you think?

Personally, I don't think the person is actually a child but I was just curious. Being a mother myself. . .made me wonder.

I am 29 and yeah I don't remember much about being 12 =). I know from having my own kids that I would not want them online talking to adults that I didn't know. . . .guess it comes down to parenting.

Answer 1

I don't want to do that, either, but if the parents care so much, then they should be monitoring the child's internet use. If the child gets religious ideas from the internet that the parents have a problem with, then they really have no one to blame but themselves. This type of forum isn't designed for, or really appropriate for children. While it's not as DANGEROUS a forum as a lot out there, it is an open forum, meaning people have the right to express their beliefs.

Answer 2

If they come here, they are obviously looking for answers. I have answered a couple of kids by telling them not to listen to anyone or anything but their own brain when it comes to religion. I tell them to sit down and really think about what makes the most sense in this day and age. That is all I say.

Answer 3

Those same parents need to be monitoring what the 12 year is doing on the computer. If a legitimate religious question is asked, I will answer it to the best of my ability.

Answer 4

Firstly, the very nature of the internet makes it near impossible to verify the identity of the peson with whom you are conversing. This is one of the biggest draws - you can ask and say things without fear of people knowing it's *you*.

I think we should give earnest answers, then direct them to their parents or an adult they trust. At 12 they know more than we give them credit for, but the law requires parental consent for baptism for anyone under 18.

Answer 5

There could be 12 year olds who are quite mature and able to discuss such things. I was. The problem at the time though is that I was unaware of how to discern between truths and falsehoods. I would advise such a one to be very careful in what they accept.

Answer 6

The child wants answers. I agree with not wanting to put our views on someone elses child. Perhaps she/he hasn't been able to get answers from their parents, or they don't feel comfortable asking. Either way if the child wants to learn about God they will find a way.

Answer 7

Well, this isn't the best place for a child to come with questions, so I see your point.

However, if the person you're speaking of actually is twelve, and her childhood was anything like mine, I COMPLETELY understand why she would go to strangers for answers. No one would answer my questions, either.

Answer 8

I will tell someone of any age that they should think for themselves and not accept any book or creed at face value just because "it says so / I said so".

I know that the bible says "better for such a one to be run over by ten thousand mad crocoducks" or something to that effect, but that's just the content of some book.

Answer 9

Better that you answer it well, than if they should just get answers from some of the more cynical and rude users.

They certainly have more exposure to both good and ill and tons of information (good and poor quality) than we did at that age. I use to read some bad comics, and had a few bad friends telling me things that were shocking to me.

Answer 10

I think it is parent's responsibility to monitor what the 12-year old is doing on line anyway.