I don’t think is a question with easy answers, but definitely one we have to deal with considering the age range on the app.
To answer your question, I’d really, really hesitate to strike up a co-authorship with someone that young and I’d encourage any other adults on Episode to do the same. Not because of anything that has to do with writing ability and communication, but like you’re saying, because there’s a certain vulnerability for the younger party.
Hell, if you’ve been here long enough, you’ve probably seen firsthand how easily grown adults (with large followings to make it even worse) can bully and harass kids without a hint of remorse. I’ve seen a couple young artists do art for free for authors easily past their 20s or even 30s. Like… there just is a certain power being an adult on this app. You have a lot of young readers willing to go to bat for you because they trust you too much to ask themselves if they even should. I also think it attracts people who can’t control their adult peers in the real world, so they get a certain high off being able to do so to younger ones in the social ecosystem that is the Episode community.
This is getting longwinded, but I guess my point is: be thoughtful of how you go about things. If you’re in your teens, look out for yourself, protect your safety and your growth. If you’re an adult, look out for them and be mindful of boundaries. Encourage teenagers to set healthy boundaries with you and others and respect them without exception.
Because you’re right. Somebody who co-authors with an age gap isn’t necessarily predatory or someone who has ill intentions, but I think we need to ask ourselves if accepting would leave that partner vulnerable to someone who does. It’s not something I would choose to do.