I believe that if they are prepared to pay for, care for, and provide safe housing conditions for the next 80+ years, then yes. I bleive that, to some degree, it could also be the parents fault for allowing bad care to befall the animal. I also think that a lot of people consider tortoise stupid and throwaway pets, and I think (the reptile community in general) need to to the best possible to inform of the commitment that even just a small lizard could require. If children or teens fail to provide proper care, then it is up to the parents or child to find a safe home where they will be well cared for. There are tortoises and turtles who have died (it;s sad yes, but it continues to happen) and that is the purpose of TFO... to educate people who don't know better and who actually care about the well being of the animal in general.