Chapter 8
Building Kids' Communities
In This Chapter
- Treating kids like kids, not grownups
- Socializing in a safe environment
- Creating age-appropriate fun
Managing kids' communities isn't the same as managing grownup communities at all. Grownups can more or less fend for themselves online, but kids need a safe environment. You wouldn't use the same language, nor would you have the same guidelines. Even your member acceptance policies are vastly different.
In this chapter, I explore how kids' communities are different from grownup communities and ways for children to have an enjoyable online experience in a safe environment.
Knowing the Differences Between Grownup and Kidcentric Communities
Because kids aren't always aware of the dangers of interacting online and because adults aren't necessarily looking over kids' shoulders every second to guide them or protect them from inappropriate content, it's up to you to present them with a positive, safe haven for their online interaction.
Kids are kids; they're not miniature adults. Treat them respectfully, but treat them as though they're kids. Adults can pretty much be left to their own devices when they're using online communities. Kids need more guidance. They don't know the right online etiquette yet, and they're more trusting.
Kids' communities have to be more intuitive than adult communities. Buttons and links should be obvious, ...
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