Are Under Age Hubbers Allowed?

1. 87

   Marisa Wrightposted 7 years ago

   Recently we had an under-age Hubber join.  We know she's under age because she told us.
   
   I reported her - not because I have a problem with her, but because I've seen other kids join, put a LOT of effort into writing lots of Hubs, then get discovered and have their account closed.  I think it's better to avoid raising their hopes.
   
   I warned her about that, but her response was that her mother runs the account and supervises her.
   
   I notice that her account is still live, so does that mean that is an acceptable workaround? 
   
   If it is, I'd like to know, because next time I see an underage Hubber I can just tell them to get a parent to supervise them.  It's a pity I didn't know about that before, because we have lost a few good young writers over the years and it sounds like we could have kept them.

   replyreport
   1. 91

      Sherry Hewinsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Well, it's a good question. I'm sure it happens that young people write under their parent's account. If they are mature enough, and smart enough to read the rules, and not let the cat out of the bag, I guess no one's the wiser.

      replyreport
      1. 87

         Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         That's very true, but in the past I've seen so many of them "let the cat out of the bag" at some point, one way or another, and it ends in tears!

         replyreport
2. 73

   mchllhwgtposted 7 years ago

   My 13 year old would give a lot a run for their money. She's already had a poem published and has a mature head on her sensible shoulders but I wouldn't want her writing for hubpages. I don't know what she could bring to the table in terms of strong content. She's still learning herself.

   replyreport
3. 79

   davidlivermoreposted 7 years ago

   There is a child who wants to spend her time writing.  How is that a bad thing?  There are worse places on the internet to be and worse things this kid can do that writing online.
   
   I think if it's monitored by a parent, it won't be an issue.  If the tax info is under a parent, it won't be an issue.  I don't think a child should be discouraged from doing something constructive with their time instead of goofing off or getting into trouble.

   replyreport
   1. 86

      NateB11posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      +1

      replyreport
   2. 87

      Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I agree,  BUT THAT IS NOT HUBPAGES POLICY.
      
      In the past, we've had several under-age writers who joined - then had their accounts closed down the minute their age was discovered.   At no time did HubPages suggest that they could stay if they got an adult to supervise them - the accounts were simply unpublished. 
      
      That's why I'd like to know if the rule has changed, because it affects what advice I can offer if I come across another under-age Hubber in future.   IMO if they're not going to be allowed to write here, it's better to sort that out before they put in a lot of hard work for nothing.  Leaving them and hoping they slip under the radar is not a good idea, because HubPages always seems to find out eventually, and then all their effort is wasted.

      replyreport
4. STAFF

   Paul Edmondsonposted 7 years ago

   Our ToU says - Only adults (18 years and over) may register for an Author account.
   
   I'll check and see if we can add something about being a supervised author.

   replyreport
   1. 87

      Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      So you're saying it's OK for an adult to sign up, then let their child use the account under supervision?
      
      Or are you saying that you need to check the Adsense rules first (because I believe that's why you instituted that rule).

      replyreport
      1. 88

         Jean Bakulaposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with your actions, Marisa. There are many talented young writers out there. But being young, they are vulnerable, and if they get their hopes raised by being accepted, work hard, and get kicked off, that's a rejection a teen doesn't need. The teen years are hard enough already.
         
         Your tender heart always comes through!

         replyreport
         1. 87

            Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Exactly my concern, Jean.

            replyreport