[Jonno]

I'm thinking about starting a forum for kids. Like up to 13.
Is there anything about? Does anyone know of any good ones to get ideas from? Is anyone doing one already? What are the problems? Is it worth it? Would I be wasting my time? I'm just a beginner but have friends who'll do lots of the tech side. What do you all think?
- Jonno

[toady]

If you decide to host your site on a US server you would have to comply with the 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA - Children's Online Privacy Protection) so there are a few legal considerations you would need to take into account.
If you were to find a host located in the UK you would need to do less work on that front.

I'm not sure how well this might work, i think you'd need a very striking visual style, a lot of functionality would probably have to removed to make it as easy as possible for children to use.

I'd suggest carrying out some research with a number of different parents to discuss concerns they may have while their children are online, so you can have a clear policy and a high standard to show parents if they want to know what their child is doing.

You would probably need to have things very controlled and moderated too.

It could work, but i think it would be a lot of work getting it going.

[bcmtouring]

Are you starting the forum for fun or for commercial gains?

If it is for commercial gain, then do keep in mind that the forum would need to be heavily moderated and you would have to watch out for pedophiles who might register as a child to lure other kids. Frankly, it’s going to be too much trouble if you ask me.

[Jonno]

I'd like it to pay for itself in the long run.
Thanks for the warnings of pedophiles and the link to Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
- Jonno

[Cori]

As a Mom to 4 kids my first questions to you would be security. What are you going to do to ensure that my kids will be safe on your site? What security precautions will be taking? Will guests be able to post? Will new members have access to pm's, emails, etc.? Will new members have to wait until they reach a certain amount of posts before they can access the main sections of the site?

Honestly, it's a lot of work. I had a kids section on my site for over a year. There is a lot you have to do to keep these kids safe.

[Jonno]

Thank you Cori
Good advice.
- Jonno

[Cori]

My pleasure...good luck with this! I think if you do this the right way, it can be very successful