Friday, Sept. 30th - Banned Books: How do you feel about the censorship of the freedom to read? Do you think the education system needs to be more strict on what children are exposed to in books?
I don't agree on censorship or banning books though I agree that there are some books with edgier themes out there that are not suitable for children. But to say that all children think the same, understand the same, and should not read these books is untrue. There are some fourteen year old kids that are more mature than some eighteen years old.
To me, the education system shouldn't be the one who decides what a child should or should not read. It's not their place to push their opinions or beliefs on children. It's the job of the parent. Only they know what their child is capable of. I think there should be some way of asking what parents would like or not like their children to read and base curriculum off of that. Or if there are "controversial" books in the library have them placed in a certain section and have children bring permission slips before being able to check those books out.
I actually wrote a blog post about this topic after a certain article made it's way around twitter. You can find that here for a longer explanation. But basically it's a parents right to decide what they feel their child is able to handle and understand, they know their child. If a child doesn't have someone around to do that for them, they need those books that much more.
10 comments:
Our posts are basically identical today, MB! I don't have children, but I firmly believe that decision belongs with the parent, not the school. And I love your last line--so true!
I know some school libraries have designated shelves for more "mature readers" and have to be checked out with a parent's permission. I agree with that concept. The books don't have to be pushed on a child to read, but they don't have to be totally taken away either. Reading is a CHOICE.
The decision belongs with the parent. They are the ones who should know their children and their maturity level best.
I was definitely a more mature reader growing up. Books kept me sane. The Giver a banned/challenged book changed my entire life. It made me want to be a writer. I don't want to even think about a world where it could have been denied to me.
You are SO right about all of this! I have never even thought about the permission slip idea before but that is totally more understandable than taking books completely out of the school system! Great post :)
Now this is a sound suggestion - the permission slips may be a good idea to institute!
I agree and disagree.
I agree - mostly. I do think it's better for a parent to decide what is appropriate/inappropriate for their child to some degree. But also, some kids don't have parents who give them the opportunity to grow through reading. Parents who shelter their kids too much and then are shocked when they don't know how to handle real-life problems. Reading can be the only way a child can learn how to deal with the crazy mixed-up emotions they're going through, and it would be a shame for them to not have access to those books. I guess I don't know what the right answer is. :/
Thanks JMan. And I love it G, it IS a choice!
You are right Kariann, I didn't think to factor in those who shelter their children too much. And I don't think there is a right answer, just different opinions. :)
I'm completely with you on this. The parents should be the ones responsible for making sure what their kids are reading/watching is appropriate to their own children.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I agree. This is on a parent. Engage with your kids and read their books!
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