Teen here! Been enjoying some of your pieces and this space! Good stuff to let others know that it's safe to write, but that boundaries are necessary if ur someone who's more vulnerable.
Just kids with BIG emotions. Could say the same for most adults:) we need to remember that always. I’m glad you said this on your platform and gave an example for how to navigate it. I can imagine it’s truly encouraging for the kids reading this.
I can also relate to the nostalgia thing. I pretty much got Substack to role play as an edgy 2000s blogger hahahaha.
Love this. 💛 I think you're right that young writers need guidance and encouragement, not shame. Creative spaces can be such a gift. Many of us wouldn’t be who we are without places to write, connect, and learn. Thanks for sharing this.
I love this because those same teens could be up to no good and people would talk crap. Let them find community, let them express creativity and create a safe environment a village for them!
Teens are human. Their age doesn’t mean they lack emotion, intelligence. They are growing and learning.
I’m very much an advocate for teens. I went through a lot of abuse as a child and teen. Thankfully i had stable people in my life just like you who guided me on my journey
i completely agree! the younger generation is so smart and so aware. i just think they need more adults willing to guide them 💛 i appreciate you reading!
Love all of this! Why wouldn’t we want to make space in community for young people who are learning their own voices? And why wouldn’t we want to give them the tools to engage safely from a place of empowerment? Boundary setting is scary, regardless of age; it’s great to see somebody give clear guidelines for how online safety can be built, not just chastisement for not already knowing ✨
Thank you so much for this! 🥹 You’re absolutely right. Substack’s age requirement is 16, so teenagers are allowed to be here. We should help them engage safely, set boundaries, and build emotional intelligence.
I also used to work in IT, so I’ve seen how much people need guidance when it comes to online safety. Shame doesn’t prepare anyone. Tools, awareness, and support do.
I really appreciate you reading with nuance and understanding what I was trying to say ✨
Loved the way u have shown this side of the ethical connections, and about having boundaries-that is so true, people often times get intimidated here but thanks for writing it down Alana!!
thank you so much sam!! yes you’re absolutely right about intimidation. i used to struggle setting boundaries because i didn’t want to come across as mean, but i’ve learned that emotionally healthy people will understand and respect them.
This made me think that citizenship, digital or otherwise, is learned through participation rather than exclusion. We don’t prepare people for the world by hiding it from them; we prepare them by teaching judgment, boundaries, and responsibility. I think that’s the real distinction your piece is making.
1000% Ahtesham. fear isn’t a productive framework for understanding technology, and a lot of social conditioning has made people believe “kindness” and “access” are the same thing.
Digital citizenship applies to everyone. I said that in the piece. But a point being universally true does not erase the specific responsibility adults have toward minors.
As a teen, thank you so much for this!
Teen here! Been enjoying some of your pieces and this space! Good stuff to let others know that it's safe to write, but that boundaries are necessary if ur someone who's more vulnerable.
Good luck on your podcast
Thank you so much! :)
TAKE ALL MY MONEY
HAHAHAA
Just kids with BIG emotions. Could say the same for most adults:) we need to remember that always. I’m glad you said this on your platform and gave an example for how to navigate it. I can imagine it’s truly encouraging for the kids reading this.
I can also relate to the nostalgia thing. I pretty much got Substack to role play as an edgy 2000s blogger hahahaha.
I really appreciate this as a teen, it makes me feel embraced and supported, so thank you! You’re amazing Alana!
Love this. 💛 I think you're right that young writers need guidance and encouragement, not shame. Creative spaces can be such a gift. Many of us wouldn’t be who we are without places to write, connect, and learn. Thanks for sharing this.
I love this because those same teens could be up to no good and people would talk crap. Let them find community, let them express creativity and create a safe environment a village for them!
Teens are human. Their age doesn’t mean they lack emotion, intelligence. They are growing and learning.
I’m very much an advocate for teens. I went through a lot of abuse as a child and teen. Thankfully i had stable people in my life just like you who guided me on my journey
i completely agree! the younger generation is so smart and so aware. i just think they need more adults willing to guide them 💛 i appreciate you reading!
Love all of this! Why wouldn’t we want to make space in community for young people who are learning their own voices? And why wouldn’t we want to give them the tools to engage safely from a place of empowerment? Boundary setting is scary, regardless of age; it’s great to see somebody give clear guidelines for how online safety can be built, not just chastisement for not already knowing ✨
Thank you so much for this! 🥹 You’re absolutely right. Substack’s age requirement is 16, so teenagers are allowed to be here. We should help them engage safely, set boundaries, and build emotional intelligence.
I also used to work in IT, so I’ve seen how much people need guidance when it comes to online safety. Shame doesn’t prepare anyone. Tools, awareness, and support do.
I really appreciate you reading with nuance and understanding what I was trying to say ✨
Loved the way u have shown this side of the ethical connections, and about having boundaries-that is so true, people often times get intimidated here but thanks for writing it down Alana!!
thank you so much sam!! yes you’re absolutely right about intimidation. i used to struggle setting boundaries because i didn’t want to come across as mean, but i’ve learned that emotionally healthy people will understand and respect them.
Kindness shouldn't be made a target. Loved your honest reflections Alana:)
thank you so much, Apurva!!<3
Very important one indeed!
thanks for reading Sarthak :)
This made me think that citizenship, digital or otherwise, is learned through participation rather than exclusion. We don’t prepare people for the world by hiding it from them; we prepare them by teaching judgment, boundaries, and responsibility. I think that’s the real distinction your piece is making.
1000% Ahtesham. fear isn’t a productive framework for understanding technology, and a lot of social conditioning has made people believe “kindness” and “access” are the same thing.
you can be kind and still have boundaries!
I think that’s exactly it. Boundaries aren’t the opposite of kindness; they’re what allow kindness to exist without fear.
Digital citizenship applies to everyone. I said that in the piece. But a point being universally true does not erase the specific responsibility adults have toward minors.