Since it got international, opinions

[Fragony]

Meet Laura, soon at Ophra.



She's 13 year old and wants to set the record for being the youngest person in the world that ever sailed around the world. Going to school isn't a choice here by law, but her dad is fine with it as long as she does her homework when being in the middle of the ocean. I think he's an idiot this is extemely dangerous and if I had a daughter even talking about such an adventure I would chain her to whatever is at hand. But it's not my daughter and I don't want to put this bird in a cage, Laura is extremely confident that she can do it, and kinda think as well she's a force of nature. But the care industry disagrees and wants to take her from her parents if they allow it, and to be honest they kinda have a point even if it makes me sick, who in their right minds would allow their 13 year old daughter to sail around the world on her own. But I say go for it. Thoughts?

[rory_20_uk]

Assess Gillick competence or the Fraser guidelines. If she understands the action and potential consequence then fine - treat her as an adult. If she does not, then treat her as a child.

If you can refuse a heart transplant on these grounds which is certain death if you refuse, then this seems reasonable here.

[Banquo's Ghost]

I tend to agree with you.

Some of the commentary I have read suggests that the parents are of the pushy, achievement through their children types, which I personally loathe. However, I don't really know the child or the parents except through the lens of the media.

Nobody should care who the youngest to sail round the world is. Even my cat has done it, alongside being the 5,112th feline to climb Everest without oxygen or kibbles.

However, a full and proper education is far more important to a 13 year old than ten seconds at the end of a new bulletin. Of course the girl wants to be "famous" rather than going to school.

It seems a bit odd that the state has to step in, and I can't say I'm in favour of that. Nonetheless, I can see the argument, as there is a very good chance that a young girl will not have the stamina to battle an unexpected storm, and may well end up in the news for the wrong reasons. I can't imagine why a parent would allow the chance of that happening. One can't stop them once they are eighteen, but one ought to try when they are still dependent.

[Fragony]

I tend to agree with you.

That would be hard since I am undecided. There could be a discussion on how far the responsibility of the state goes. In a way kids taken at the age of 12 and returned at the age of 18.

[Kadagar_AV]

I'm also torn on this issue...

I think I know to little about sailing to be able to calculate the dangers...

Any good sailors in here who can comment on her chances, and of what the risks are?

[Andres]

13? At 13 you shut up, listen and get an education.

Frivolous sailing around the world all by herself at 13. Gah.

Her parents are idiots, so of course the state steps in.

A few slaps for parents and child, back to school and no more of this nonsense.

How did this ever become an issue in the first place?

[Fragony]

How did this ever become an issue in the first place?

Well someone refused her to sail around the world. It isn't very dutch to refuse someone to do something. But allowing this might just be a little much Laura is a national catastrophe she is testing our limits.

Any good sailors in here who can comment on her chances, and of what the risks are?

I am not a good sailor, but it's very very dangerous

[Louis VI the Fat]

who in their right minds would allow their 13 year old daughter to sail around the world on her own?

Who? Today's trophy parents. Spend a Saterday afternoon at a football field, listen to the screaming dads, and I think that may come a long way to explain what this is about.

If she wouldn't be the youngest ever, would her parents even consider letting her go on this trip? I think not.

[Major Robert Dump]

She is going to sneak some friends on, have a party, and probably come back pregnant. If I were her dad I would not let her go.