It seems that no matter what the topic, someone is bound to be offended by a book. Sometimes we’re unlucky enough that the offended person is someone with political power, or the ability to put together a strong following, or someone who feels motivated to control what others can or cannot read. Personally, I feel that the practice of banning books is one of the most harmful attacks on freedom, particularly to our children.

Sometimes parents or educators try to limit what children can read, for fear of the effect certain ideas might have on a child’s mind. The problem with this approach is that it ignores the fact that children are human beings, and as such have the same rights as you or I do. Although adults do not always recognize this, children do, and their attempts to exercise rights that society does not allow them are subsequently seen as rebellion. My point here is that even if you don’t recognize your child’s right to access certain information, it’s likely that he or she will, and read the prohibited material behind your back. And even if the banned book does not instigate rebellion, your child will eventually come into contact with the information contained in that book, and will be fully unprepared to deal with it on his or her own.

Instead of prohibiting children from reading certain books, I suggest that you take the approach of providing guidance for interpreting the book. Often, books are banned because they are considered “too adult” or “too something” for a child to deal with, but why is it assumed that when children reach the age of 18, they’ll suddenly become adult enough? The fact is, becoming “adult” requires learning, and children cannot learn if we shelter them from what they need to learn about. So instead of attempting to deny your child access to a certain book, I suggest you read it with your child, and discuss the controversial aspects of the book. This has the benefit of introducing your child to certain issues in a controlled environment where you can make a first impression, but it also teaches your child the process of forming and justifying opinions. After all, as a parent it is your responsibility to ensure that your child learns what is needed to grow up.