Google Shuts Kids Out of Email Accounts

Over the weekend my friend's email account was shut down by Google. He can't access anything that's there -- his contacts, any Google Docs, old e-mails, nothing. Why? Because he's 10.

Gabriel is the son of two of my closest friends, and they have always encouraged him and his sister to communicate with adults and friends over email. But according to Google's policy, only people 13 and older and have Google accounts. There are two aspects of this that are particularly infuriating: The first is being shut off from writing and photos that you have created -- the archives of email conversations with grandparents and the stories kids have written on Google Docs, for examples. Google could at least rectify this problem by allowing people one last chance to access and download their data. Google has said in its forums that it is "actively investigating" this option. The second is being shut out of email for all future communication. There are countless places on the Internet I would want to keep far away from a kid. Email is not one of those things. The Internet is full of strangers; your InBox is full of people you know. Email is a way to communicate with grandparents, teachers, and friends. Moreover, writing well and using email are fundamental skills necessary for functioning in the modern world.