Child Avatar
Current Linden Lab policies towards Child Avatars
Policies towards child avatars are largely focused on the actions of the avatars, not the avatars themselves.
Child avatars are in themselves allowed. A child avatar, even within a mature sim (but not participating in mature (in this case, sexual) activities is allowed.
Child avatars in sexual situations (sexual congress obviously, though it is unclear beyond this) are not allowed and abuse reportable (ARable).
Public promotion (classified listing, profile, etc.) of sexual situations with child avatars is not allowed and ARable.
Creating areas for the purpose of sexual ageplay is not allowed and is ARable. This includes having items with sexual content (sexual poseballs or equipment) in proximity to items traditionally associated with children (swingsets, etc.)
Indicating that the *real age* of a child avatar (as opposed to a stated SL/role playing age) is below main grid age is not allowed and ARable.
As with all things, context is key.
Related Links
Child avatars have been discussed three times on the Second Life blog, each time refining policies towards child avatars. This is in addition to earlier 'official' policies, largely spread by word of mouth or on note cards.
- [Accusations Regarding Child Pornography in Second Life]
- [Keeping Second Life Safe, Together]
- [Clarification of Policy Disallowing “Ageplay”]
A further statement from Lewis PR Linden on the Second Life Insider site gave further insight.
Of note from the above: There's nothing objectionable nor illegal in having a child-like avatar in itself and we must assume innocence until proof of the contrary.