LETTER – The many reasons kids shouldn’t rush to pick gender pronouns

Re: EDITORIAL – Pronouns and the eternal debate over parents’ vs. kids’ rights

In regards to your article on the debate in education over parent’s rights vs children’s rights:

I agree – as should all – that children have rights. As you said they have a right to be protected. Society has a responsibility to ensure this happens so that children are raised to one day be well-functioning citizens who are both physically and mentally healthy. That’s why there are so many laws surrounding children – what they can and can’t do, and what adults can and can’t do to them.

Our childhood and adolescent years are when our brains and bodies are forming – at these ages we are (whether we like it or not) immature. One example of this is that we can’t comprehend the long term consequences of our actions, both to ourselves and to those around us. How many examples have you seen now of adults paying the price of stupid things they posted on the internet when they were teenagers? That is why teenagers are prohibited from many decisions and activities.

If you are younger than 18 years you cannot get a professionally done tattoo. Why? At that age you don’t fully understand the idea of permanence, nor even imagine the idea that one day you may change your mind.

In this country you cannot vote if you are not older than 18. Why? At that age you generally cannot comprehend how your political decision affects society as a whole, and oft-times lack the understanding of how government works (many adults still lack this, but I digress).

There are laws to deter and prevent people under the age of 18 from viewing pornography. Why? Because at that age a child’s mind is still being developed and viewing such material will warp their idea of what a healthy sexual relationship should look like when they are an adult.

There are laws (at least in the works) prohibiting the marketing of junk food to children. Why? As a child you have a hard time delaying gratification and understanding that what tastes and feels good doesn’t always mean it’s what’s best for your health. Hence (at least in my family) we don’t let our children make our grocery lists or meal plans.

As a parent I’m responsible for the healthcare of my children. Why? Ask any 5 or even 10 year old if they want to get a measles vaccine and I doubt you’d get an affirmative response. They can’t yet comprehend that a quick yet painful jab in the arm is ultimately for their benefit.

In light of such examples (and there are many others) we need to ask the questions: What effect is there on a child’s psychology in allowing them to choose their pronouns and forcing others to comply? What effect on a child’s natural development is there in putting them on hormone therapy and will they one day regret it? What permanent effect is there on a child’s body if they go through transition surgery and should it be permissible to allow a child to decide to have a mastectomy?

Or should all of these decisions be put off until they can make a more mature decision?

DUSTIN SAVAGE