Bullying and 3rd grade

[Beat_the_Streak_MLB]

Originally Posted by germaine2626

Having known the horror of a teenage suicide (best friend of my daughter) and the devastations that resulted from that irrational act I disagree with you. However, I think that nothing that I say can dissuade you from your point of view.

Children/teens whose brains are not fully matured/formed and/or are seriously depressed (because of relentless bullying or for whatever reason) are not able to "freely chose the action." Add the impulsive nature and limited ability to understand consequences of their actions children/teens are not able to make rational, informed choices regarding life and death.

I know it's horrible and devastating, but it's still a free choice.


lol, the children are unable to freely choose?

Do you never hold them accountable for decisions they make either?

If you do, then you're being inconsistent.

Either they are never able or are always able. Not what is convenient for you.


Also, a teenager is fully capable of understanding the consequence of death. I agree a 10-year old can't, but a 14-year old certainly can.

[germaine2626]

Originally Posted by Beat_the_Streak_MLB

I know it's horrible and devastating, but it's still a free choice.


lol, the children are unable to freely choose?

Do you never hold them accountable for decisions they make either?

If you do, then you're being inconsistent.

Either they are never able or are always able. Not what is convenient for you.


Also, a teenager is fully capable of understanding the consequence of death. I agree a 10-year old can't, but a 14-year old certainly can.

I think we are discussing two different things. Children & teens can make choices, and be held responsible for those choices but I'm saying that it is difficult for them to make informed, rational choices (ie. free choice) at that age.

Just like not all teens that kill someone else are charged as adults (in my state very few 13 to 16 year olds actually are charged as adults), teens that kill themselves may or may not have made the decision rationally (as an adult would make a rational free choice).