BTT: Age-Inappropriate
This week’s Booking Through Thursday question asks…
What do you think of censoring books BECAUSE of their intended age? Say, books too “old” for your kids to read?
Because I’m a mom, I can answer that I, admittedly, censor what my kids can/cannot read. I don’t put too many limits out there, mind you, ’cause I love to read, and want them to be readers, too! But yeah, there are some books that are just too “old” for my kids, yet.
My 10 yr old DD brought home the “Poseur” books, recently, passed down to her from a friend who’s the same age (but given a lot more –unnecessary– freedoms), and I thought they might be a bit too old for her, yet. So, I’ve put them away for a couple of years, and will allow her to have them back when she’s a teen (and I’ll probably preview them, myself, in the meantime).
My 13 yr old DS wants to read the “Twilight” series. And, while books 1-3 aren’t necessarily bad, I wouldn’t want him reading book 4, yet. Not to mention, there’s a lot of teen “drama” in those books that I’m not sure I’m ready to expose my son to. Why put that stuff in front of them early, right? So, I’ve still said ‘no’, thus far. But, I’m considering it.
I think it’s really a matter of how mature your kids are, and what you think (know) they’re ready to handle.
I don’t want to unnecessarily “shelter” my kids, as I know (firsthand) how that doesn’t go over so well. But, I also –like I said– think it’s a matter of knowing what your kids are ready for, and what they’re not. There’s no need to make them grow up “too fast” ~ they get enough of that from their peers, and society at large.
To me it’s no different than censoring movies. I can absolutely say that I’ll not let my children watch everything they’d like too – not even some things intended for their age – it’s just not always appropriate. I’ll also allow my younger son to do things I’d never have allowed my older son to do at that age – their maturity & outlooks are just different.
I don’t want to shelter them from life but there is absolutely no reason to ‘give’ them more than they’re ready for!
You’re absolutely correct – allow them to be children!!
You know… after thinking about it. We listened to an Adventures in Odyssey episode last night that discussed the censoring of books in the library. My son (13) was up in arms that the administrators in the episode were censoring ‘free speech’. I just looked at him and reminded him of a mythology book he had run across with nude paintings included. Then I asked is that appropriate for your sister to see? He responded, ‘absolutely not’. I smiled at him & said, ‘then I guess you’re for book censorship?’ He laughed & said, ‘I guess I am.’
The real life examples help to define your point very well!
If you are interested, my answer is here.
Interesting answer.
Here’s mine:
http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/05/booking-through-thursday_19.html
To me, there is a huge difference between a public institution like a library “forbidding” certain books and a parent making that decision. It should be the parent’s decision whether their child can read a certain book. It is the parent’s prerogative and responsibility. Let’s say a parent gives their child free range on what to read, but the child’s teacher or librarian tells him he can’t read a certain book. What gives her the right? Furthermore, teachers and librarians shouldn’t have to take on the responsibility of making sure the children are reading appropriate books. That’s a big job. I don’t understand parents who make a big deal about a particular book they deem “inappropriate” being in the library. If you don’t think it’s appropriate for your child, don’t let your child check it out. Just because it bothers you, it shouldn’t be available to anyone?
So, I agree with you MizB that it is your responsibility and prerogative to oversee the media that your children are taking in. I feel that no one else should oversee what your children are reading, and you shouldn’t forbid other children from reading what their parents allow them (not that you are trying to – just using you as a parent for an example). I’m sure you did not try to tell your daughter’s friend that she couldn’t read the books you deemed “too old” for your daughter.
So, long winded comment, but I have strong feelings about this!
Nope, I didn’t comment to the friend (or the grandma that she lives with) about the books given to my daughter. And, I won’t. Just like I made no comment to this same friend about her reading all 4 of the Twilight series books at age 9 — even book 4! This young girl is, unfortunately, allowed to do more than she should (IMHO) for a girl her age… and it reflects in the way she talks to/acts around my daughter. She already acts like she’s 16 yrs old!
I feel badly for her, really.
I totally agree with you that it should be up to the parents to decide what a child reads. I think I’m actually okay with libraries restricted what younger children, under 13 maybe, can borrow. After all, they can always ask their parent to check it out for them.
I agree with your answer.
here’s mine:
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/05/booking-through-thursday_19.html
I agree with your answer. But I admit that sometimes find “knowing” what my daughters are ready for is actually very difficult. Often they demonstrate to me that they’re ready for something that I wouldn’t have guessed they were ready for!
Interesting answer. I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if you want to censor what your own children read it’s fine as long as you don’t impose it on others.
Sally.
http://theelifylop.blogspot.com/2011/05/booking-through-thursday-18.html
I think the important part is that you’re involved!
Also, if your 13 yr olds are interested in Twilight, maybe point them toward L.J. Smith, Cate Tiernan, Christoper Pike, and R.L. Stine–Those kept me busy for most of my early teen/teen years–And they should be a little more age appropriate/less graphic and not as much angsty teen drama as Twilight.
As a mother and a librarian, I most absolutely agree with PARENTS “censoring” or “sheltering” or monitoring what their child ingests, be it television shows, movies or books. That is what goes along with parenting, IMHO. That’s why my library has a juvenile library card where the parent can chose which level of books their children can check out.
My 6-year-old asked me where babies come from the otehr day. I wasn’t ready for that question, but that might mean she is ready to know a little bit more than what I’ve been teaching. :-/
Personally, I’m against anyone reading Twilight just because it is a badly written book. lmao.