Child Safety, and Your Thoughts on an Epidemic

[Zukien]

We are just discussing our opinions, but I would like to hear other sides of the subject as well, relating to children and their safety. The death sentence is another topic which coincides with this thread.

[The Australian]

The way I see it, you shouldn't give the death penalty until you are absolutely certain that the person is guilty. If you just convict them outright and send them to the gallows, then you end up with a case like Timothy Evans. A wrongful execution. Don't sell me that bullshit that you've all been saying this entire thread about wrongful executions, because if you kill an innocent man/woman, then you've gazed into the abyss, and the abyss has gazed back.

[MorningWood]

Let's shift back to the topic of children and safety then.

I'm going to put my 'very serious' face on now. Educating children is a heavy responsibility. While we want to shelter them from any harm, I think it is also necessary to let them understand how this world works. Not everything is fun and games. Children need to watch our world's problems from behind safety glass and meanwhile they must be guided by a responsible tutor so that they can understand these issues. They must be taught how to correctly deal with these issues. Don't put your children in a heavily armoured vault where they can learn nothing. It's good to teach them about the dangers outside, but don't teach them that every stranger is a child molester lest they might become very distrusting or even paranoid. Remember that they will be responsible for their children one day.

[Gwazi Magnum]

Preventive action is knowledge. When more people know about what is truly happening, it can open some eyes and shed light onto this subject. The truth is, your right. Most people will read this, feel bad for a moment, then move on. But reaching out to those few that will actually strive to help is key.

There are many ways that you can help, including:

• Contacting your local or state legislators, telling them how you feel and what you think should be changed (believe me, it will get through)
• Researching and learning about the things that are going on. Again, knowledge is key.
• Looking up child safety or community service events that include children. Go to one of them, they are actually a lot of fun and you will get to help and talk to a lot of people.
• Find charities that help children in your area, and get in contact with the Executive Director or other Board Members to find out how you can help.
• Being a good Samaritan. If you see a child lost in a store, help them find their parents or bring them to the front desk. If you see a child in the street by themselves, keep an eye on them.

There are many more options, but there are just a few for you to see. What I am hoping for is that for those who read this and want to do something about it, they ask questions or voice their opinions, as this subject is as relevant as anything else in OT Discussion.

I see, those do sound like good ways for people to help.

I myself will keep more on an eye out for children now on if they seem to be lost, alone or in any danger.
I wish you luck in your cause.

[1DVSguy]

Let's shift back to the topic of children and safety then.

I'm going to put my 'very serious' face on now. Educating children is a heavy responsibility. While we want to shelter them from any harm, I think it is also necessary to let them understand how this world works. Not everything is fun and games. Children need to watch our world's problems from behind safety glass and meanwhile they must be guided by a responsible tutor so that they can understand these issues. They must be taught how to correctly deal with these issues. Don't put your children in a heavily armoured vault where they can learn nothing. It's good to teach them about the dangers outside, but don't teach them that every stranger is a child molester lest they might become very distrusting or even paranoid. Remember that they will be responsible for their children one day.

Yup.

The problem I have with people sheltering their children is that they grow up not knowing anything about the world. And then when they do, they do something really drastic.

Case in point, my teacher used to know a student, Senior 18 years old, jolly good guy, likes to laugh, and home schooled his whole entire life. One day, teacher walked into the class room and the student wasn't there. Turns out the student was arrested. He was homeschooled his entire life so he didn't know how to have sex (something you would learn in sex ed), so someone told him how, and he went home and did it with his sister. Turns out that he likes it, and he continued to rape her for 4 months.

Going back to the discussion, parents have to educate their children. They can't learn anything if as you said, "they are in a heavily armored vault".

[Zukien]

One of the great things about the course I teach is that we tell the kids that everyone, before you meet them is a stranger. However, there are two types of people in this world: good and bad. A homeless man on the streets could be the nicest person you ever meet, but the neighbor in a business suit could be a bad person. You never know, whcih is why we teach them what tricks are and how to say no. Because they have that right to say no.

[Christiefries]

Thank you for supporting me, and yes, it is hard to talk about this subject or one of similar dynamics. Many people have been abused themselves and it is a very touching thing for them to talk about. But the one thing that all victimized people, not just children, need to know is that: It is NOT their fault, and they CAN tell someone. If anyone tries to hurt you, trick you, or make you feel wrong inside, you are not to blame, and have a right to let someone know.

It depends on the situation.

Exactly Beatrix. When I was little, my mother asked me what I thought of the death sentence. I told her I don't like it. When she asked why, I replied that I do not like it, because I believe that the criminal should be executed in the exact same way they murdered the child.

If that would not send a message, I do not know what would.

I've had this opinion as well.

[Zukien]

Well Christie, the main thing is to know that even in certain situations, your well-being is the most important aspect. It is not a person's fault if someone takes that away from them, willingly or unwillingly. If you are hurt, then it is not you that is to blame.

[Aragorn]

Such things are revolting.They should be given the maximum penalty available to the state. And make sure to publicize it to make it clear what will happen to future offenders. Fear is the best demotivator.

[Christiefries]

Well Christie, the main thing is to know that even in certain situations, your well-being is the most important aspect. It is not a person's fault if someone takes that away from them, willingly or unwillingly. If you are hurt, then it is not you that is to blame.

They can't always tell someone about it though is the thing. They may have no way of getting to the authorities, and anyone who could take them there might not believe them or even care. Not everyone listens to children, because apparently they have nothing important to say. It's sad, but it's true.