Source: Guardian >> Read full article and comment

The vetting folly is over. But a greater madness continues: our failure to regulate the industries that exploit them

Louisa Young

Wednesday 16 June 2010 20.30 BST

Objecting to plans to protect children leaves you in a “When did you stop beating your wife?” position. What, you don’t want to protect children? And the answer is, no, I don’t. Babies, yes. But by the time they’re six or seven I want to be bringing them up strong, independent and, stage by stage, able to protect themselves and each other. I want them to learn to trust their intuition, and use their skill and judgment to get out of bad situations without running to mama.

And I bet you do too. That way one can avoid the sick-making moment when the desire to protect starts to destroy: the smooth lawn that you’re not allowed to play on; the window locked shut in case of burglars; the child prevented from learning from any adult who isn’t government approved. It’s all based on the fear of damage, without considering the damage of fear…Continue reading