Inappropriate Books For Children In Libraries
My intention today is to raise awareness for parents and guardians about the existence of explicit books in libraries.
You might not know what's happening, so this is a great place to start! Daniel Quinn says it brilliantly with -
"If a thing falls outside the range of people's curiosity, then they simply cannot make inquiries about it. It constitutes a blind spot - a spot of blindness that you can't even know is there until someone draws your attention to it."
This is our attempt to rectify that blind spot.
If you are aware and have been asking, 'What can I do?' We have something for you!
Angela, who uses the library frequently with her three girls discovered highly sexual graphic books written for children that absolutely blew her mind. Since then Angela has been busy making HUGE progress on her quest to protect children of all ages from being exposed to information they're potentially unprepared for.
Don't know what 'information' I'm talking about? Angela goes through one (highly sexualised) book available in libraries, which is on display for all to see - meaning any child can open up this book and be exposed to inappropriate graphic images. Book like these are not only in public libraries, they’re in school libraries too.
Some of the younger books (for children as young as 5) focus on gender identity, consent and intercourse. There’s even a book for 10-year-olds that goes into anal, contraception and abortion. These are sex instruction books.
How do you feel about your child looking through these types of books without you knowing?
Angela and I talk about these books in our chat below.
After seeing our interview, a journalist from SkyNews reached out to Angela to film a piece alerting parents about the disgusting book; Let's Talk About It. Watch the Skynews video here: Calls for controversial book to be removed from display in libraries
The images in this children's book were too sexually graphic to show, which should tell you everything you need to know about the content. This book's pictures, aimed at 14-year-olds, can't be displayed in the media!!! If this doesn't disturb you, what will? While I’ve blurred out the images in our talk below, Angela does explain what’s in them to give you an insight (you really got to see it to believe it).
When I've shown the book we speak about in the above video to people they are beyond mortified (as was I)!
Majority of these sexually graphic books are unclassified, meaning they don’t have age restrictions like we have for movies and video games, so any child can borrow these pornographic books without adult consent.
Alex Antic, Liberal Senator for South Australia, also champions Angela's mission in his recent newsletter dedicated wholly to her cause. The entire letter is posted on our Telegram channel. Here's a snippet:
"...if the book is too explicit to be shown at a local council meeting, why is it unrestricted and on display in Australian public libraries and easily available for children?"
More parents need to know about this book, then actively raise their concerns, as this is the only way something will get done. Education boards will only make changes if people speak up about it. People like you.
Because Angela was shocked and concerned with some of the books made for children in libraries, she proposed a petition advocating for borrowing restrictions on sexually explicit publications in public libraries and school resource centres.
Many people agree these types of books need to be classified or moved to an adult bookshop where they belong. Yes, you read that right. Some of these 'children's' books belong in adult erotic bookstores !
Angela managed to do something concerned parents in other states couldn't do (not for lack of trying, their local councils blocked them at every turn) and has put together a petition to be presented to Parliament.
Regardless of how you feel about our governments and the job they're doing (not doing ), this petition draws attention and increases awareness among parents and guardians about the content being made and published for kids.
For this reason alone, it’s FANTASTIC!
Angela shares in her own words how she got to this stage and most importantly her CALL TO ACTION.
Want to see inappropriate books classified and give parents and guardians the choice to decide when they feel it best to share this information with their child? Then please share this information.
Healthy Whole Humans is thrilled to support Angela on her quest. Great courage is needed to speak up, ask questions and ultimately find a solution to the not-so-great stuff going on. Angela has persevered every step of the way - speaking in front of councils, researching classification board jargon, going to meetings - at the same time as homeschooling three daughters. WOW!
Nothing will change until we actively come together to speak up and create something better.
Take heart-led action on what inspires you (it doesn't have to be this, choose what lights you up!), then come together with others who want to create the kind of world you want to live in for yourself, your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews...
Never buy into the illusion that you can't create a better world, that you're not powerful. You are! Angela embodies what can happen when you follow your heart and speak up.
"But what can I do? I am just one person."
Said 7 billion people
May you be inspired to follow your heart and create a world you LOVE and are excited about - especially when it's inside your home.
Creating a better world for kids will take every human playing a role. Let's build this new world together!
With a whole lotta love
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