RayP, but that is not what the WTS officially said. I know that parents and unbaptized children see it as a risk...but that is by their own extension. The WTS over my years has never discouraged young jws from getting baptized because of their age (babies a side) and actually severely cautions jw parents and their children from holding back. The WTS does the exact opposite, encourages children to get baptized even younger than in my teen and pre-teen years. And the WTS scares them by never pinning down an exact age for the "age of responsibility" at which point the child is considered personally responsible. I can remember parents constantly questioning the elders as to when that age was worried that their unbaptized child would die at Armageddon not being under the protection of their parent(s) baptism.
*** w10 11/15 p. 15 par. 14 Young Ones—What Will You Do With Your Life? ***
Some may hesitate to get baptized out of fear that they may be disfellowshipped at a later time. Do you have this fear? If so, such fear is not necessarily unhealthy in itself. It can mean that you appreciate the serious responsibility that comes with being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Might there also be another reason? Maybe you are not yet convinced that living by God’s standards is the best way of life. In that case, thinking about the consequences that come to those who ignore Bible standards can help you to make up your mind. On the other hand, it could be that you love God’s standards but do not trust yourself to be able to live up to them. Actually, that can be a good sign, for it shows humility on your part. After all, the Bible says that all imperfect human hearts are treacherous. (Jer. 17:9) But you can be successful if you constantly ‘keep on guard according to God’s word.’ (Read Psalm 119:9.) Whatever reasons there are for your hesitation to get baptized, you need to resolve such issues and concerns.
*** w06 4/1 p. 28 par. 12 Meeting the Requirements for Christian Baptism ***
Certain ones may hold back from baptism because they are reluctant to accept the responsibility it brings. They realize that to meet Jehovah’s standards, they will have to make significant changes in their lives. Or they may fear that they will find it difficult to live up to God’s requirements after baptism. Some may even reason, “Maybe one day I will do something bad and be disfellowshipped from the congregation.”
*** w06 7/1 p. 29 par. 15 Youths, Make It Your Choice to Serve Jehovah ***
Could it be that you hesitate to take this important step for fear of being held accountable should you fall into wrong conduct? If so, think of this: Would you refuse to apply for a driver’s license simply because you were afraid that some day you might have an accident? Of course not! Neither should you hesitate to get baptized if you qualify. Indeed, you will be strongly motivated to do your utmost to resist wrongdoing if you have dedicated your life to Jehovah and have agreed to do his will. (Philippians 4:13) Young ones, please do not imagine that by postponing baptism, you avoid accountability. When you have reached the age of responsibility, you are answerable to Jehovah for the way you act whether you are baptized or not.—Romans 14:11, 12.
*** w92 10/1 pp. 21-22 ‘Should I Get Baptized?’ ***
If you are a young person, you might be thinking, ‘I am still young.’ It is true that as long as young people remain obedient and responsive to their Christian parents and apply the Scriptures to the best of their ability, they can have confidence that Jehovah views them as “holy.” In fact, the Bible tells us that divine approval of righteous parents extends to dependent children. (1 Corinthians 7:14) However, no age limit is given in the Bible as to when this dependency period ends. Therefore, it is important for Christian youths to consider seriously the question: ‘Should I get baptized?’
*** yp2 chap. 37 p. 306 Should I Get Baptized? ***
If you’re not baptized, you’re not accountable to God for your actions.
False.
James 4:17 states: “If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him”—baptized or not. So if you know what’s right and you’re mature enough to take a serious look at your life, perhaps this is the time to talk matters over with a parent or another mature Christian. In that way, you can learn how to progress toward baptism.
