When children are exposed to inappropriate content it desensitizes them and makes them more accepting of similar information in the future. When this happens repeatedly to a large number of children over time, it has a destabilizing effect on society. Pedophiles expose their targets to inappropriate sexual material to groom them for later encounters. Along a similar vein, children exposed to violence at a young age become desensitized to violence as well. We have all heard the stories of child soldiers in war-torn countries; the loss of innocence and fractured lives are beyond comprehension. These are examples of why so many parents want school library books to be rated like movies. Parents know that mature content has harmful effects on children.
Here are some comments from Grand Haven community parents regarding library books.
“I'm very concerned about the book issue in the libraries. My husband and I are seriously considering pulling our children from GHAPS if action is not taken. I do not want my kids having access to sexually explicit books at school and if the school board fails to provide a good solution, it shows me they are out of touch and truly don't care about my children.”
“I was in an elementary building and a 3rd grader came up to me with a book that he looked scared to be holding. He said, “ I can’t read this book. It’s not appropriate.” It was a graphic novel that showed scenes of people being killed with all the blood and gore of a real battle. This book wasn’t appropriate for any child in that building. Our schools need to do a better job of keeping our kids safe from content that can take them unaware. I have heard that other books were being pushed in the elementary building dealing with topics of gender identity. Just like that death book, such a book about sexuality can make kids very uncomfortable and promotes thoughts that they are not mature enough to handle. Please let the parents decide if their kid is ready for books dealing with sensitive topics; that decision should not be up to the school alone. If books like Dr. Seuss have been pulled, let’s closely look at the other books as well and work together to keep our kids safe.”
“I was very disappointed at the last school board meeting. Many individuals spoke about how they think it's wrong to ban certain books. The claim is that parents want certain books banned, and they want black author books banned, also there was a claim that parents want to ban lgbtq and Trans gender books. Therefore, making this seem like certain parents are racist. To be fair I always look at both sides of things and the crap that spewed from all those mouths is proof that they aren't listening to the other point of view. All those people that spoke manipulated and lied about what I have heard with my own ears for the last several years. I have heard and know what parents want. Then for one speaker to say if those that don't like it then move out of town isn't proving that the inclusion portion is working very well is it. The crap I saw is causing more division. You will never have acceptance from your community when you cannot even be truthful.”
Community members and parents are concerned with books in school libraries that are desensitizing children to violence, introducing them to mature sexual content and confusing them about their gender. These books are mentally harming our children and the situation necessitates that GHAPS adopt a book rating system. There are already several in existence (such as RatedBooks.org). Book banning is not the answer, but age appropriate ratings do, however, provide a level of safety that could be used by parents and teachers to monitor the books available to students and reinforce the right of parental consent.