Recently a fair amount of dust has been kicked up in Opensim about child avatars, and they're being used as "wedge issue" and as a hand-wave (to distract from copybot gangs). While this is a settled question here in SL I think that it would be good to write up a formal statement that would serve two purposes;
1)Specifically allow playing child avatars in the CDS (as I do)
2)Set out guidelines for expected behavoir for those who choose to pilot them.
This thread is not intended to debate the merits of playing them -they are specifically allowed by Linden Lab and therefore are a valid form of expression; as long as they follow the TOS. Rather it is intended to decide what issues need to be addressed in these guidelines.
I don't believe that we can or should be in the business of policing people's avatars choice. I know that I, myself, have a very, very low threshold for being told which gender or age or species I can choose from and which I can't.
But there are legal and ethical questions and I think we should have some sort of guidelines in place.
I have given this some thought, but I'm aware that I am missing some points.
This is what I have so far;
CDS Child Avatar Behavioral Guide
First and foremost, it must be understood that the CDS is not a roleplay estate. While citizens may be involved in roleplay outside of the CDS, and may roleplay on their properties the CDS proper has no obligation at all to fit into any roleplay.
By choosing to pilot a "child avatar" (ie to portray a person under 18), one accepts a higher level of responsibility for one's appearance and behavior than so-called standard avatars. This is due to the many legal and ethical problems posed by the misuse of Child Avatars; specifically for sexual purposes.
This document does not concern itself with behaviors which occur outside of the properties owned or managed by the CDS. It does apply to public and private spaces inside of the CDS, however.
APPEARANCE:
1)There is no reason for child avatar to be naked around another person, and apart from changing no reason for a child to be naked period. Additionally, in many jurisdictions of the world child nudity -even fictional, can result in real-world jail times. Given the global nature of the CDS, this is an unacceptable risk to put other citizens through.
2)Kids should not wear inappropriately sexualized clothing. BDSM gear or clothing which reveals "the bathing suit area" is forbidden. This will be at the EM's discretion. If an EM asks you to change, change -whether you agree or not.
3)There is no reason for kids to have genitals such as add-on breasts or penises.
BEHAVIOR
1)Sexual activities are expressly forbidden -with no exceptions at all. This includes simulations of oral, anal, vaginal or masturbatory sex.
2)Romantic flirting/overtures between child and adult avatars is prohibited. Even with joking, discretion should be exercised.
3)There is nothing wrong with acting out same-age relationships (first crushes, that sort of thing); but they should be platonic and must be no more risque than one would see on Dobie Gillis or Saved by the Bell. Again, the CDS is not a roleplaying region.This document should be taken as a guide, and not as settled law.
Settled law says that the secondlife Terms Of Service must be followed at all times, and the LL TOS is very clear on sexual activity involving minors.While all players in SL bear responsibility for their words and actions, it is incumbent on those of us who portray kids to separate ourselves from those who do so to portray illegal or abusive actions ...and we do that with our dress and with our behaviors.
Links to the Linden Lab child avatar wiki pages;
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_ ... ng_ageplay
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Child_Avatar
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Child_A ... ld_Avatars