Amanda said:
@Lucky
If a child is mature enough to handle real-world issues, they should be able to read about them in books. I believe books are a safer way to learn about serious topics.
I disagree. Just because a child might face harsh realities doesn’t mean we should expose them to graphic content at a young age.
@Lucky
“Children aren’t being stopped from getting these books elsewhere.” I remember when ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ was banned at my school, but we still found ways to read it by sharing among friends. The debate about what ‘banned’ means needs more clarity.
@JimGreenfield
The term ‘banned’ is appropriate here because the school district has officially removed these books from schools. ‘Restricted’ would apply if the access was limited to certain age groups within the school.
What’s the point of banning books in schools when many students struggle to read at grade level anyway?
Focusing on banning books in 2024 seems misguided. Most kids aren’t even reading much anymore, with the internet at their fingertips. Historically, banning books has only made them more popular.
This discussion seems premature without more details about the books or the reasons behind their removal.
Which specific books are we talking about here? Not all books are suitable for children.
Arnold1 said:
Which specific books are we talking about here? Not all books are suitable for children.
This forum often equates any book removal from schools with censorship on a level with extreme historical examples, without considering the specifics.
@Barbara
It’s ironic that those who advocate for Bible readings in schools overlook the controversial content within the Bible itself.
Arnold1 said:
Which specific books are we talking about here? Not all books are suitable for children.
The real issue isn’t just about access to books but about what educational materials schools should provide. There’s a significant difference between encountering sensitive content on the internet and being guided through it by educators.
@Ronald
Exactly, schools shouldn’t be places for exposing students to everything available on the internet.
@Ronald
Not all books in a library are directly facilitated by teachers, and having a trained adult guide students through challenging content is preferable to them encountering it alone.
Is the issue here about banning books, or is it about deeming certain content inappropriate for specific age groups? There’s a significant difference. Recognizing the potential harm from unrestricted access to certain types of content, especially for mental health, might justify some restrictions.
@rednah
Most of the current bans are targeted at books that acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ individuals, which is not just about protecting children from ‘scary’ content but about censoring certain identities.
@rednah
It’s concerning to hear that exposure to broad and diverse content in literature is seen as harmful. My own experience with challenging books in school was positive and educational.
Comparing the restriction of sexually explicit material in schools to actions taken by totalitarian regimes is exaggerated and unhelpful.
Leeland said:
Comparing the restriction of sexually explicit material in schools to actions taken by totalitarian regimes is exaggerated and unhelpful.
It’s worth noting that a lack of understanding about sexuality can make young people vulnerable to exploitation.
Setting age-appropriate guidelines for school libraries is different from outright banning. It’s about ensuring that the content is suitable for the student body.
lmason said:
Setting age-appropriate guidelines for school libraries is different from outright banning. It’s about ensuring that the content is suitable for the student body.
The issue is when book selection becomes a political battleground rather than a discussion on educational appropriateness.