runner, if you wrap children in cotton wool, then don't be surprised if they can't deal with the real world.

By all means, teach respect. Nobody is suggesting ruling that out. But does that mean that difficult topics can't be discussed at all? Do we pretend that such issues do not exist?

(And before you answer, assume that not everybody shares your religious views and we live in a free society that allows any religion but doesn't push any single one. If you suggest that teaching scripture is the answer then you also need to accept that means teaching the Koran, Talmud or teachings of Buddha are solutions too).

TRTL

Do a large degree you make your own 'real world'. There is a huge difference between 'wrapping your kids in cotton wool and handing them over to social engineers who more often than not have failed in their own lives and now want our kids to see their point of view.

Runner forgets that the world as moved since the last bowl movement, and yet to most that see,s clearly, humans are still in the same amount poo as ever. Just to recap for both sides, This planet will not take much more of a " its all well people " and the facts as to what one can see, just shut your eyes, its better that way.

Sorry! Just having a little rant:)

BLUE

A brilliant thread and I agree with every point you raised Michelle.

Many children live and experience action packed lives in this era which pales many fictional stories into insignificance regardless of the topics anyway.

As an avid reader growing up of both fiction and non-fiction along with doing drama privately and through school, I learned a great deal about social issues, looking at different perspectives, feeling compassion for both fictitious characters and real life people.

Some great books, plays and movies based on characters dealing with the issues you mentioned Michelle,as you would undoubtedly be aware, are able to cheer certain teenagers and children by taking their own minds off their every day difficult issues and pressures and devise positive strategies from looking on objectively at a fictional character facing adversities.

Much the same way as adults learn, enjoy and experience life via their own fictional and non-fictional outlets; literature, movies, television, plays, and so forth. Therefore I agree with you, the positives I believe, far outweigh the negatives, and parents should be reflecting upon some of the stories and plays they learned through school many years ago and the effects they played on their lives.

Many disadvantaged students have said to me, ‘If it wasn’t for my English teacher . . ‘ they would never have been able to pull themselves out of their troubles. The main reasons they gave were
1. Personal friendship - the teachers were inspirational.
2. The love of books and reading, and the books they were introduced to.

The distinguished child psychiatrist E J Anthony said ‘The essential child is a child of hope,’ and these teachers and books gave hope to their students that they could overcome their difficulties.

Former clinical child psychologist