Saturday 8 September 2012

If It Saves Only One

Posted: 1:00

We're creating adult-phobic children

"An intergenerational schism is fracturing society. It is an age-based estrangement that is alienating young people from adults. Its scope is unprecedented.

According to Linda Sibley at Confidential Kids, "Kids no longer trust adults."

Researchers have indicated excessive child-protection initiatives have driven a wedge between youth and adult generations.

"Dramatic escalation of child-protection measures has succeeded in poisoning the relationship between the generations," concludes Kent University researcher Frank Furedi in his recent report Licensed to Hug. "(The result has been) an atmosphere of distrust."

Throughout history, informal and unregulated collaboration between the generations has been the foundation of socialization of young people, he pointed out.

"Cultural distancing of generations weakens the bonds of community life," he added.

"Teaching children that strangers are usually an opportunity, rather than a threat, is healthier for children, parents and communities," explained Bill Durodie at Royal Roads University in British Columbia. "Children wrapped up in cotton may appear and even feel safe... but in the long run, this may incapacitate them and infantilize hem."

Overprotection of children can stunt their progress toward maturity, researchers claim."

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/were-creating-adult-phobic-children-169016956.html

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