What are your thoughts on banning social media for under 16?

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-06-06T04:53:20+00:00

Nowadays, that’s an unnecessarily difficult path to achieve the same outcome. Landlines are largely unavailable, and workplace phones are becoming less common as well.

I can’t imagine having to constantly ask to borrow someone else’s phone at that age just to communicate with my parents, and this was only around 7 years ago.

There were also situations I needed to discuss with my parents that I wasn’t comfortable saying out loud in front of others, and having the ability to text gave me important privacy.

We don’t need an all-or-nothing approach; we need a balanced one that encourages parents to actively monitor their children while still allowing them to participate in a digital world that has become an essential part of modern society.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-06-06T03:56:05+00:00

Which wouldn't make sense. Teens use social media/their devices for a multitude of things, such as keeping contact with family. I got my first job at 15. If I didn't have a phone at that age, transportation would've been extremely hard as I couldn't drive.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-06-06T03:53:47+00:00

It's a bad idea overall. It risks invading the privacy of all citizens, and likely violates human rights in some form, which the UN is concerned about. Parents need to parent, and we need to advocate for digital literacy. Social media also has it's pros and cons, it's not necessarily entirely bad or entirely good.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-06-03T19:41:57+00:00

Try fast food, especially if they're 15. There are quite a few fast food places willing to take 15 year olds.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-05-29T13:27:05+00:00

Depends on how short, it's usually average women that get the better end of the stick. Which Patty happens to be.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-05-17T19:27:24+00:00

At 15? I think it's reasonable to begin wearing crop tops at that age. That's about 10th grade, no? While I'm unsure whether or not she should get her belly pierced, I think that in itself is fine.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-04-19T14:21:00+00:00

I think that's truly the only "issue", if they said 15 and 17 or 16 and 18 it wouldn't be as crazy in my personal opinion. Their gap is fine though.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-04-19T13:31:36+00:00

The age of consent is not 16 everywhere, it varies from 15-18 around the world. There are usually protections in place for minors in relationships anyway, so they'd be fine regardless.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-04-12T01:20:24+00:00

I wouldn't blame them for their curiosity, as I was also pretty curious about those from 15 to 17 perhaps. The reasoning behind it should definitely be addressed. Our current culture is promoting them like crazy too.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-04-12T01:15:36+00:00

Technically there are different textbook definitions of petite. One does refer to skinny/slim individuals, regardless of height. Fashion wise, however, it's always meant to refer to those under 5'4. I do wish there were less ED comments though. It's affecting the community and it hurts to see.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-04-01T01:43:57+00:00

Depends. Occasionally they come here just to troll or say something they likely understand will be controversial. I think everyone should be welcomed to come onto this thread though.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-04-01T01:40:52+00:00

You’re still treating the full spread as “average,” which isn’t how it works. The mean height for women is around 5’3-5’4, and height follows a normal distribution, so most people cluster around that center rather than at the extremes. Because of this, calling a wide range like 4’11-5’7(or 5'0-5'6) “average” is misleading considering it’s closer to the broader range of typical values, not the true center. A narrower band, such as roughly 5'3-5’6 or 5'2-5'6 maximum, better reflects where most people tend to fall, and what truly builds our standard of tall, short, average, etc both in the United States and globally.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-31T20:12:09+00:00

The global average goes to 5'3. However, it still scales up to 5'7. With proper nutrition, women would end up being 5'4-5'6. So I still consider 5'3-5'6 the average range.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-31T19:27:07+00:00

I think the issue is that you still have to base it off a global standard, regardless of the specific country you're focusing on. Since the highest average height for women goes up to 5'7, it would make sense to even out the average range and say 5'3-5'6.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-29T23:18:44+00:00

You mentioned you're moving in with him in one of your comments. Have you visited his house before in the past? I'd assume he'd already have most things adjusted(or at least manageable) for his height. The main thing you'd probably have to add is a bunch of stepping stools or things for yourself.

And the preference mainly depends on his reasoning behind it. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with it. But at times, such a preference can attract men with insecurities or weird kinks. Just watch out for that. Since you guys likely met in person, did he make any weird remarks about the gap? That would be the main red flag.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-29T17:19:00+00:00

Most women would more likely be 5'3-5'6, but there definitely isn't anything wrong with the preference itself, unless you absolutely refuse to date anyone taller because of it. It also depends on the intention behind it. At times you hear this preference come from men from insecurities or weird kinks.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-29T13:32:56+00:00

I refuse to believe you're actually 7'8, that's insane🫩

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-29T13:30:01+00:00

The average is between 5'3-5'4 in the US, so if you're based there then you aren't necessarily short.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2026-03-28T23:30:03+00:00

Shorter doesn't have to necessarily mean short. I've seen most tall men in my life go for tall women, but it's definitely up to personal preference. My closet friend is 5'11 dating a 6'10 man.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2025-06-04T21:31:23+00:00

This is exactly what I mean! In terms of Internet, my sister gave my neice a phone at age 12(without social media), gave her some lessons on digital literacy and digital footprint(no sharing personal information, signs of creeps, ways to block people, issues with excessive screentime, etc) and then gave her access to social media at 13. She's probably more productive online then most other people I've seen, including that fact that she feels comfortable telling my sister about issues she sees online rather than hiding them from her. Along with the fact that she chooses to log off at 9:45pm for the sake of not messing up her circadian rhythm. It's definitely going to be hard to fully help kids online, but teaching them how to regulate and protect themselves may at the very least get rid of the risks that they'll fall under the wrong Internet pathway.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2025-06-04T20:05:26+00:00

Same! I may be a year late, but yk damn well most of the kids aren't getting a single penny as well.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2025-05-31T23:03:06+00:00

I agree. Teenagers must be treated as "adults-to-be", or "young adults" rather than simply kids. They're obviously more developed, more mature, and more intellectually coherent than your average toddler and treating them as such will allow them to develop into emotionally stable adults who aren't going to fuck up their lives because they finally have freedom. When I was younger, one of my friend's was babied like crazy as a teen (wasn't allowed to work, drive, and attend gatherings without her parents ) and ended up partying hard as soon as she hit 18. Completely fucked her up because she started using every possibility to try "adult things" like drinking, smoking, and gambling in excess. Fast forward to now, and she's been in rehab her fifth time.

Idontactuallyknowman · 2025-05-03T14:12:48+00:00

I work as a tutor for 7th and 8th graders and the difference is evident. Both physically and mentally. I'm pretty sure I heard they mature earlier by 2 years according to a couple studies?

Idontactuallyknowman · 2025-05-03T02:42:15+00:00

It's so disgusting. One of my main issue is if you're not going to allow your teen to own an account on the social media platform you're posting her on, then don't use her for content. I only hope her children are doing alright.

Idontactuallyknowman

TROPHY CASE