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MaryHelen Swanson
The front page news this week is grim. It’s not the kind of
news we enjoy printing. Especially when two stories are related to
teachers in local schools. I cannot explain these events, nor would I
try. I can only ask that the public remember that there are many
excellent teachers and coaches in our schools. And we must also
remember that we cannot be quick to make judgements.
Passing judgement on anyone will be left to the courts. But there are
young people involved here who will be harmed for a long time.
Perhaps for life.
The most important things is that we have to teach our children that
they should never allow themselves to be victimized in any way. Our
young people should know that if anyone says or does things to them,
they DO NOT have to allow it. Being in a position of authority does not
give a person the right to intimidate or coerce a young person into
doing or watching anything.
I know that our teens have seen and heard much more than the teens of
my day. And sometimes they want to consider themselves more mature than
we were. No matter what they think, they are still children.
They must not be used, abused or victimized by any adult, neither parent, teachers, nor older friend or relative or anyone.
They must not be frightened into thinking that anything that scares them or sends confusing signals to them should be tolerated.
They must understand that they can turn to trusted adults and be safe. And there must be safe adults to turn to.
Being a teenager is very difficult, and I assume even more so these
days. Every message they receive is “grow up, act like an adult.” And
every movie, every teen magazine, every television show tells them that
sex is the ultimate in adult behavior.
Dress sexy! says the cover of teen magazines. Act sexy! says Cosmopolitan, too fast becoming the choice of adolescent girls.
If that is what they are learning that being adult is about, is it any
wonder that our children, who are on the threshold of maturity, want to
be a part of that world?
That adults have preyed on innocent children to get them to do adult
acts is not new. But it seems we are hearing about it more and more.
Does the constant flow of pornography have anything to do with the
abuse of young people? And does the internet, with its ease of access,
perpetuate the idea that it’s OK to involve children, even children who
might think they are grown up, into doing those things they really
don’t want to do.
It’s a shame, such a shame, that this world has come to this.
While it is important that we do not prematurely pass judgement, it is
important for parents to take this opportunity to discuss these issues
with their children, both male and female. Remind them of their rights
to be young and not involved in activities that they’re not ready for.
They must understand that they can say no and mean it. And they must
know that you will be there for them no matter what happens.
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