I understand where BadBieber is coming from with the whole messing up their education-thing. If they choose to do that then that's there business, not something to not hire them over. If I were to open a forum, age would not be an object in their application. I wouldn't care or mind if they were 11 or if they were 78. I would hire them on the aspects that actually matter and impact their performance - maturity, typing, how they handle issues, ect.
You also have to realize younger users' sense of judgement is still developing, so, they might prioritize forums over school and later come to regret the decision. And as for your second paragraph, that's really how people should be hired. I've seen so many job openings topics accepting anyone who applies, when people should take their time. But, you mentioned an 11 year old, I haven't seen to many 11 year olds interested in being an admin/moderator, but the ones I have seen really made it obvious they were young. One user from FP comes to mind, so I do believe there should be a minimum age when hiring staff, as you don't want to go to young, especially for a moderator position.
What's the youngest you would go for a moderator? What's the youngest you would go for an administrator?
I thought having a staff member of over 21 was good until I learnt otherwise she was no good taken sides in a fight between 2 members which is a no no as a staff member I now have a 14 years old and he is great not had any problems with him
