Danger!

As I watched Sid Davis’ film about child safety, I wondered about the values it portrays.
The world is dangerous.
Always be careful.
Taking risks leads to serious injuries.
Hospitals are scary and should be avoided.

I investigated the work of Sid Davis and discovered he created several films targeted at a young audience, with similar themes of the potential dangers in the world, whether it is illegal drugs, strangers, scissors, or canoeing. The film reminded me of the"shock" videos that were shown in my drivers' education classes in high school: film clips of the horrors that come from driving too fast, too recklessly, or too drunk.

I started to wonder about how children today are inundated with safety messages. One series of television commercials constantly reminds kids to "Stay alert, stay safe!"; Another series of commercials by the War Amps Society warns kids about the dangers of losing limbs from farm equipment,lawn mowers, and other items found in or near the home. Teaching children safety has migrated into the area of online safety. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t visit strange websites. Never post personal information online. Never click on an advertisement. Never open a file attachment.

All of this leads to a paranoia similar to the Sid Davis’ movie: there is danger everywhere, whether it is outside, online, or in your own house.

In a recent radio show by Laura Catherine Schlessinger, an advice talk show host, she chastised parents for being overprotective of children and creating an unnecessary fear of the world. Her argument: Young children rely on their parents to keep them safe from predators. So, instead of focusing on constantly telling your child, “Never talk to strangers,” she advises that parents instead focus on ensuring they are supervising their children adequately. Raise your children to be self confident and trusting of the greater good in the world, rather than teach them to be fearful, mistrusting, and paranoid. It is the parent's job to keep kids safe. It is the kid's job to believe the world is a safe place to live.

Dr. Laura's message fits with a recent launch of a book, “50 dangerous things you should let your children do.” The authors, Giver Tulley and Julie Spiegler, were angered at the overprotective state of parenting and picked fifty activities that parents can do with their children. All fifty experiences, the author points out, are meant to be led by a parent with their children. All fifty activities have potential risks and must be done with adult supervision. The goal of the book is to lead readers in creating a sense of wonder, investigate scientific principles, and have some excitement while learning with parents. And, stop worrying so much about danger and have some fun!

Parent involvement and supervision are the key elements to children's safety, whether it is in the physical world or the online world. Parents cannot rely on content filters, firewalls, and other digital tools that are ultimately ineffective in guaranteeing safety. Parents must sit with their children as they explore the potential learning resources online: Learn with your kids! Letting children “play” on the internet, unattended and unsupervised, is akin to the scene in Sid Davis’ movie where a group of unsupervised young boys are starting a fire beside an unlocked garage containing a gas can. Where are those boys' parents?

Children need to know that the world they live in is essentially good. Yes, there are dangers, but there are wonderful lessons that can be discovered from taking risks and trying new things. The world, and the internet, are fascinating places when children explore together with their parents.