WHO IS GOING TO TEACH ME ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES?
For a while, there has been a debate as to whether the education system should be responsible for teaching students about sex in the schools. At one point, parents could sign a permission slip to have their child participate or not.
The controversy centered on many issues. Along with who should teach children about sex - their parent or the school system? There was also some concern that if children as young as junior high school learned about sex, does this mean adults and parents were promoting youth to "Go Have Sex?"
On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, an article appeared in the Daily News entitled: "Condom Distribution Policy Starting In Elementary School At Provincetown, Mass." The article stated that children as early as the first grade would be able to participate in a condom distribution program, with or without their parents consent. School leaders were directed by the policy committee "not to honor the demands from parents who object to their kids receiving protection." Any student seeking to obtain condoms would have to meet with a school nurse, or trained counselor and learn how to use the condom.
-What do you think about condom distribution in the first grade?
-What do you think is an appropriate age to start teaching children about sex?
-Who should be responsible for teaching children about sex?
-What is your recollection about who taught you lessons in sex, and was your information accurate?
-What is your opinion of these questions or any other thoughts you might have on sex education. We would like to know...?"
Have you ever been or known someone who has been bullied over the internet?
If you were to be bullied or know someone who was being bullied, what would you do?
There has been several incidents in the news involving youth who have committed suicide. The most recent news story occurred in January 2010, when 15 year old Phoebe Prince was harassed for over six months over the internet. Another alarming case occurred last year in 2009 when 19 year old, Abraham Biggs was being taunted by viewers who edged him on to commit suicide. It was estimated that over 1500 viewers watched as Abraham Biggs was observed verbally stating that he was going to kill himself, swallowed an overdose of pills in front of everyone, and then laid on his bed for several hours without movement.
So, what should you or one of your peers do if you are being bullied on-line?
Tell your parents/guardian or an adult whom you feel close to that you are encountering problems.
If you are able to stop reading the messages on your social media sites or chat rooms, especially if the statements of others are still bothering you and making you feel depressed or ostracized, then STOP reading the messages.
If you also encounter these bullies at school, then let your parents/guardian or adult whom you feel comfortable talking with know so that they can take necessary precautions and alert school officials.
It is also important that your family or school officials seek out counseling for you to deal with the emotional impact of the taunting and bullying behavior of others.
REMEMBER: You do not have to handle this problem alone.
Thank you for reading my blog. I am Lorie Nicholas, Ph.D. author of Living A Life of Knowledge and Purpose, and Founder of Dream Builders United, Incorporated. Dream Builders United is devoted towards educating and empowering families around financial literacy and building a legacy of financial freedom.
I encourage you to check back often as I will be bringing you the most relevant information towards living a life of knowledge and purpose. Visit www.DreamBuildersUnited.com for more information.