Chat for Users Under 18
My issue lies in regard to the fact that the chat function is now unavailable for what I presume to be minors. When attempting to open the chat, I see a screen that states "Access Restricted. FamilySearch Chat is not available due to legal restrictions." I understand that there may be some legal concerns, but this was such a crucial part of my family history experience. I would obtain names for baptisms from those who had reserved them, but were unable to complete them; I would discuss my pioneer heritage with relatives that share the relation.
The chat feature for users under the age of 18 must return. Maybe exceptions could be made for certain accounts on a stake or ward level, based on the choice of leaders? There are plenty of youth who are very interested in genealogy. In the words of those who have taught me all I know, "[we] are the rising generation!" If we cannot have the full experience of the collaborative work that genealogy is, then what will happen when this generation is older? What will happen when our current genealogists have passed on?
I understand that I am able to chat within family groups, but that doesn't solve the issue. There are semi-distant relatives that I talk to regarding my pioneer heritage. There are elderly semi-distant relatives that are not able to complete temple work on their own, and therefore let me complete the ordinances for them.
It must be understood that, just because of my age, I shouldn't be limited in the assistance of the completion of these ordinances, learning about my family, and more. This must be brought to light within the FamilySearch team! Truly, if you think about it, the gathering of Israel is a continual process that us youth must participate in as much as possible! In the words of President Russel M. Nelson, "The only thing that really matters is that you and I are doing exactly what we committed—even covenanted—premortally with our Heavenly Father we would do while we are here on earth."
We youth were literally born for this! There are valid reasons for the change, but I personally don’t think reasons overrule purpose. Just because some people might use it un-responsibly doesn’t mean others should lose a crucial tool to save our ancestors. Their change is understandable, but this suggestion of exceptions should be examined. We, the rising generation, must gather Zion.
I ask you now; how then, can we, if our means are taken from us?
Answers
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@Everett James13 Mod note: Community is a public online forum. For your privacy, your post was edited to remove a name that is not part of your username. Please see the Community Code of Conduct for more details.
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@BrandonJamesEchols Here is a knowledge article about the FamilySearch chat. In the article, it says, "FamilySearch Chat is not available for users under the age of 18. However, these users can participate in FamilySearch Chat through shared family groups."
You can try out the shared family groups by activating it in FamilySearch Labs. This allows you to create a shared tree with your living relatives. You will be able to chat with them there. Here is the link to that:
You can learn more about Family Group Trees by joining this Community Group:
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