I would love to hear from teenagers how or what they would like to see improved with the site for future development.

As a parent, what concerns do you have?

I am sure most of them use Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc.. but our forums offer a collection of information and issues can be archived for the future teens that move to Yokosuka and and other base throughout Japan.

I am hoping to offer somewhere that teenagers can feel that they can discuss issues with their classmates, and help bring things out in the open, that may be overlooked.

I use this slogan:

"Dont under estimate the power & change Japanbases.com members can have"

The website will be the 1 site that will make a difference in Japan, or atleast I hope it will. Community discussions may or may not work, but I can assure you, in the future, our site will make a difference. It will bring things in the open that need to be addressed.. Teens can use this to their advantage as well. From the Sports Teams, or classes that they offer, if teens communicate about issues, and those issues get seen by the people that can make a difference its +++POSITIVE+++..

The govt believes this to be a negative thing, but I personally think its positive. The truth is the truth. As long as there is a solution to a problem someone complains about that is benefiting the community.

I just want to ask what you guys think about getting teens involved on the site?

Do you think they will be immature with their forum posts? Its hard to keep a lid on vulgar language, and the way they communicate with one another. Its hard enough with some of the adults we have on the threads.. hint hint... prime... no offense, but how do you think the teenagers would use this to their benefit or will they even care, to try and make a difference within the community?

I see the positive nature and criticism or the help one another can help each other through situations, may be a away to approach them.

Would any parents disagree with them being on this site? Just curious?

Wow, no one has replied to this yet. Well, I think it's a good idea to have a part of this site that focuses on school related topics and events. Classmates will have easier communication between teachers and other students and they can get more ideas and opinions from more students on events for the school, like big parties or festivals. I know how difficult it is just to give out surveys or such. As for the vulgar teens, heck, vulgar in general, maybe you can have mods on language use.

Some might be immature, but I think if we enforce the rules better, it won't be a big deal.

Maybe make a "teen" section for them to start off with (not saying that they can't post anywhere else, of course!), that centers on topics that interests them, and/or that they would be experienced/knowledgeable about?

School would be a hot topic, places they like to hang out, etc...? IDK.

I'm sure some posts by individuals may be immature (we've got adults like that, too), but if the hammer comes down on rules it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Lets not forget a lot of our Sailors and Spouses are pretty much straight out of high school themselves.

I agree, and definitely have to enforce some moderation. We will eventually have several things promoted towards teens and helping them communicate with one another. I think it would help teachers get recommendations as well.
www.japanbases.com

Oh adam you know how I hate them so. Wat waz upz wit dis shiz, he w@$ @ll up N @ Nicc@ face. Yea You can look forward to this type of crap. Besides you already have us to deal with lol.

I want to help them.
www.japanbases.com

Good luck. You'd have to expend a lot of effort to attract them, more effort to retain them, and then even more to moderate them. I think this would be high-effort, low reward on your part. By far, the teens' greatest needs are socializing with other teens. Most of them are found on Facebook; as a youth worker I'm linked with over 100 teens from Iwakuni and they are very active there. FYI, I've mentioned this website to several dozen kids on multiple occasions. To date, not one of them has joined. It's too "informational" with little outlet for socializing and not even close to what they are looking for online.

As far as them making a difference in their community, they will do so on their own terms, not necessarily in a forum established by adults. There are many positive young thinkers and doers and I have a very high opinion of them in general. But it has to be in a social setting. If you're not a facebook user, you need to get active on there first. There are many elements that lead to an almost addictive behavior that are very difficult to replicate. The "bulletin board" format is so 5 years ago; it would not appeal to them at all.

I think some topic area's specifically related to Kinnick and the other base high schools would be a good place to start. Be prepared to hear a lot of teacher and faculty bashing. I would suggest a policy that explains a productive way to create change by not ranting and maybe creating a specific ranting forum like the one the adult have to see if you can get them to vent there. Otherwise it could turn into a free for all. I know that the adult areas get off topic with derogatory assaults at times and if the teen areas turn into that I wouldn't want my kid participating in that on a public forum.

Maybe Adam can recruit more moderators? And of course, the ideas I'm giving out right now is a way to keep teens connected as a student body. Not for fighting and ranting. There should be a section where it is about event planning and study issues. And surely, quite a few teens have experienced forum posting. I'm sure not all of them will be immature with their opinions, and when there will be some, theres the moderator idea. Not all teens are what grown ups see them to be. Some actually do want to get into issues about school, I've talked to teens so you can't say I'm wrong.

Have you considered safety for the kids? I'm not saying it WILL happen, but what sort of liability would you assume if some pervert were to harm one of the teens on here? That's my only concern really.

For tulips/Rarity/tirani: Yes, all good points. But these raise all kinds of issues, most of them negative. If you have a school topic, the posts are not gonna say: "Hey, that Mr. Smith is SUCH a great math teacher!" I would suspect bashing would be the #1 topic, and you (I mean Adam) would immediately alienate the leadership of both the school and the base. Not the direction he needs to be going. Perhaps the first policy would be: Kids have to register under their REAL names (or they can use screen names, but only once they are positively identified by the moderator under their real name). Another thing is there is some kinda kid protection act that anyone under age 13 can't be providing personal info online. This has serious repercussions for the forum owner so Adam needs to tread very carefully here. Final thing: Online bullying/abuse is a HUGE issue. Adam would be inheriting all these problems. As I said, it's a high effort/low-reward undertaking and not sure it's worth the effort just yet as he's getting established in many other directions.

Posted By Tirani on 26 Mar 2010 08:48 PM
Have you considered safety for the kids? I'm not saying it WILL happen, but what sort of liability would you assume if some pervert were to harm one of the teens on here? That's my only concern really.

That's why we need to take rule enforcement to the next level and observe behaviour of the members in the teen section if the teen section will ever develop.

Posted By RarityNamed on 26 Mar 2010 08:43 PM 
Some actually do want to get into issues about school, I've talked to teens so you can't say I'm wrong.

Yes, I agree, some do.  And I HAVE a teen so I've talked to some myself.  I agree with ThaiGuy completely.  This is a very slippery slope.  The ONLY way that it will work is to not offer the leniency that is offered to date in the adult areas.  Actually, right now a kid can register and participate as an adult.  There's really now way to govern that. But if you specifically create an area targeting teen for registration the you have to assume that they are teens and beware the people participating in that are who are NOT. Lots of issues in my opinion.  This is not facebook, so if the true purpose is information, and guidelines are strickly inforced, it can be managed, but it's going to be a huge job for somebody.

Posted By tulipsonly on 26 Mar 2010 09:13 PM

Posted By RarityNamed on 26 Mar 2010 08:43 PM 
Some actually do want to get into issues about school, I've talked to teens so you can't say I'm wrong.

Yes, I agree, some do.  And I HAVE a teen so I've talked to some myself.  I agree with ThaiGuy completely.  This is a very slippery slope.  The ONLY way that it will work is to not offer the leniency that is offered to date in the adult areas.  Actually, right now a kid can register and participate as an adult.  There's really now way to govern that. But if you specifically create an area targeting teen for registration the you have to assume that they are teens and beware the people participating in that are who are NOT. Lots of issues in my opinion.  This is not facebook, so if the true purpose is information, and guidelines are strickly inforced, it can be managed, but it's going to be a huge job for somebody.

Yeah i agree about the possible risks mentioned but I suggest that maybe we can recruit more moderators so that Adam wouldn't have to carry all the weight on his shoulders. Atlas style is outta here!

And kids and teens don't always know to not divulge any personal information on the web. Which is why they need to be monitored by parents when they are online. I don't feel that this website would provide them any entertainment, which is >generally< why a kid or teen is online. Me being a teen only a couple years ago, I can attest to this.

And we definitely need more moderators, even for just the adults.

Posted By Amber on 26 Mar 2010 09:45 PM
And we definitely need more moderators, even for just the adults.

Haha! No kidding! It's unfair that many consider profanity only an issue towards teens. Profanity is very common to a number of people, no matter what age. I've seen even some elementary school kids cursing these days. And the adults? Well, where do you think most youngsters learn the bad words from? Profanity, it can be found anywhere in anyone.

Just my two cents, but I'm a big girl and the profanity is a sign of ignorance in my opinion on a public forum. In my private life, I'm guilty. Terribly so. The issue that I have is bullying and harrassment under the veil of anonymity (or not) and the bashing for no reason just to make some noise and get some attention. THATS what I take issue with. I'm all about the first ammendment, but just like a newspaper, the editor chooses what to publish. I think the teen section (if one is created) should have STRICT guidelines for all such behavior and that it be enforced consistantly.

Honestly, boys and girls, is a little curse word bad here and there? This is a community for Military peeps and their families. I know a lot of spouses aren't use to it, but should we chastise the Military member for swearing a bit when it's used in everyday life, 'specially at work. We're adults, a swear word shouldn't be grounds for punishment. Nor should you look down on someone for it, sheesh.

I agree swearing shouldn't be used to cuss someone out, or bully someone. The veiled "-ism" should be kept in check. Not recently, but there has been some sexism, racism, nationalism and homophobia on here that certain members have run with. If we want teens and family members on this site we def need to keep that in check before the occasional swear word. Besides, Adam has a cuss word filter in effect.

So I think with teens and adults we need to watch the hate, and not so much the way they express themselves.

Well said, Elizabeth.

The following posts below were accidentally started, because I created a new post. It was my fault, so I am moving the posts, and I have labeled who made each post below. Sorry about that guys. Appreciate all the responses.
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RarityNamed:

School is always one. So I guess school events. I was thinking we can share ideas and tips how to make projects and homework easier without unfair cheating. And then there are those science and music fairs and dance parties. Students and teachers can share ideas for what to put into events, when is the best time, and they can even advertise school events here. We can also have a section where students will find it easier to find fellow students whith similar interests as them. And knowing that Yokosuka Middle School has clubs, there can be sections where the clubs can post updates and notices. So mainly right now, we should have a section for the DODDS schools, like Sullivans, Yokosuka Middle School, Kinnick High, and ones from other bases. Each school can have sections for research tips and updates on events for the whole school, involving all the Japan DODDS schools, and the more specific clubs within each school. It'll also help students who have a group related project to keep in touch here online to plan meetings. I also always loved the idea of students being able to contact teachers here.
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tulipsonly:

Thats good stuff Rarity!
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RarityNamed:

Thanks, Tulips. I really would like to see teachers get on here. *sighs*
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FLSimages:

link to face book.
they seem to have it down

give them a reason to come. school is going to appeal to like 10% of the community
and most teens already have a normal internet routine, and we found (other forums im on ) that many dont like to just add another one, especially that is blooming, to the long list.

Yeah, what Elizabeth said is completely true. Kinda like what Tulips mentioned. We have to consdier the safety of teens here. But not just teens, everyone alike. Even teens can become victims in the forums. And let's not exclude adults, and kids if there are any kids here.