Parental guardianship of minors

Hey there, parents!

Noticed your teen spending time on "Archive of Our Own" (AO3)? It's a huge, non-profit library where fans write stories based on books, shows, and games. As with any online space, it's smart to understand what it is and how to guide your child.

Start with a Chat, Not a Crackdown

Instead of worrying, get curious. Ask, "What stories are you into on AO3?" This opens a dialogue and shows you respect their interests. You might learn about new characters and creative worlds they love.

AO3's Built-in Safety Nets

The site has smart features that put readers in control:

① Ratings: Every story has a rating like "General Audiences" or "Teen." It's a clear signal, just like movie ratings.

② Tags & Warnings: Authors tag stories with content notes. If your teen wants to avoid certain topics, they can. It's all about informed choices.

Your Role: The Trusted Guide

Your job isn't to ban, but to mentor.

① Set Boundaries Together: Talk about the rating system. Agree on what's appropriate for your family.

②Keep Talking: The best tool is open communication. Let them know they can always come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable.

By understanding AO3 and staying connected, you help your teen build lifelong skills for navigating the digital world safely and wisely. It's a team effort

Anti addiction statement

A Quick Word on Healthy Reading from AO3

Hello to all the fanfiction lovers out there! Welcome to the official home for the AO3 app. We're here to talk about something we all think about: finding a good balance with our screen time.

We get it—it's easy to fall into a fantastic story and lose track of time.

Our goal is to make sure your time on the AO3 app is enjoyable and doesn't get in the way of your day. It’s all about enjoying those creative worlds while staying connected to your own.

So, what are we doing to help? Our app includes gentle features like reading reminders. After a long session, you might get a nudge to take a break.

We also offer simple tools for you to set your own reading goals. These aren't hard rules, just friendly options to help you build healthier habits. You're in the driver's seat.

Here’s our advice: try to fit your reading into natural downtime. Maybe for a little while after meals or before bed.

Make it a treat, not your main activity. Remember to chat with friends, get some fresh air, and check in with yourself.

Our app's simple stats can help you see your usage patterns.

Our team is committed to your well-being.

This isn't a one-time thing; we're always looking for ways to support a balanced digital life for our users. We believe technology should work for you, not the other way around.

Thank you for being part of the AO3 community. Let's keep fanfiction a fun and positive part of our lives. Happy (and mindful) reading!