No, Parents Are Not Unsafe

Parents Know What Is Best for Their Children

The current phenomenon normalizing the idea that “parents are unsafe” is dangerous. Efforts are being made to restructure laws and redefine the term “abuse.” In California, a proposed bill (AB 957) would classify parents as abusive if they refuse to affirm their child's gender identity.

“This bill, for purposes of this provision, would include a parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity or gender expression as part of the health, safety, and welfare of the child.” - California Assembly Bill 957

Abuse Is Abuse

Child privacy laws exist for cases of actual abuse. Conflating “gender identity” questions with “my father is touching me inappropriately” is willfully dishonest. There are existing laws in place to deal with truly abusive parents.

Encouraging children to lie to their parents, either outright or by omission, is unhealthy and detrimental to families. Any assumption that a parent might be unwilling or even hostile to discuss issues with their child misses the point. Responsibility is not someone else’s to take, except in rare worst cases.

Let’s be clear; bad parents are the outliers, not the norm. Far more often than not, parents know their children much better than anyone outside the family. They know strengths and weaknesses, struggles and successes. Parents are best equipped to help and guide their children.

No, Kids Don’t Know Who They Are

Teenagers are, almost by definition, defiant, confused, and uncomfortable; Feelings of body dysmorphia, estrangement, and insecurity are a normal part of growing up.

It’s extremely common for adolescents to feel misunderstood by their parents. Affirming and empowering a teenager's normal confusion and uncertainty is dangerous, and it sets them up for a life of potential regret and hardship.

The Juvenile Mind

In Roper v Simmons (2005) and again in Graham v. Florida (2010), the United States Supreme Court agreed with the American Psychological Association’s brief that adolescents are immature risk-taking individuals who have an underdeveloped sense of responsibility which can result in ill-considered actions and decisions and are more susceptible to negative influences and peer pressure.

Once again, the Court relied on an amicus brief filed by the APA to support its conclusion that “developments in psychology and brain science continue to show fundamental differences between juvenile and adult minds.” - American Psychological Association

Parental Responsibility

Questioning and intervening in your child’s decision-making is not only a parental right but also an essential responsibility. It’s not dangerous, and it’s certainly not abuse. Dismantling the parental paradigm cannot be our path forward.

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