From a literary landscape once carved by iconic texts like the Magic Faraway Tree, with characters Moonface, Silky, and Saucepan Man, we have slid down the slippery-slope into a literary world of semi-porn for children.
The latest text, Welcome to Sex, targeted at 11-15-year-olds, contains images and content that would make Moonface blush. There is good reason for the public outcry – this appears to contradict current State and Territory laws around consent and the creation, publication, and distribution of nude images for children even though they are cartoons.
Perhaps it is time for Dame Washalot to pour her washing water down the tree to cool off some of the content that is being generated for primary-aged children… The world of imagination, wonder, and innocence is being replaced by a ‘how-to’ guide for engaging in sexual activity (information a ‘mature 8-year-old’ could handle, as proposed by the author).
Let’s have some pop cakes and dive deeper into where this cultural shift comes from – is it really about educating children on sex? And is its sudden emergence denying children safe passage into adulthood by bombarding them with adult themes and views about sex? Because it is starting to feel like we are in Topsy Turvy Land – a land where children need to be adults.
We are moving away from a world where children are seen as sacred; some classic and contemporary texts revere this in children. Authors like C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, created timeless books that captured the hearts, souls, and minds of children (and parents!) for generations ,creating worlds of mystery, fantasy, archetypes, and adventure. These texts are enshrined with goodness, hope, positivity, and a sense of transcendence – of the light and shadow that exists within us, and how to overcome it.
As an experienced primary school teacher (12 years of full-time teaching), the former Respectful Relationships Co-Ordinator at my previous school, wellbeing author for children, and a meditation teacher, I strongly urge parents to think wisely about what they expose their children to.
Kids have one chance at childhood. One. Their hearts and minds need to be protected and cherished like priceless jewels and regarded with reverence and sacredness.
What consenting, sexually liberated adults do in their private life is none of my business. However, when it comes to the wellbeing of children, this is an issue I take very seriously.
If Silky were here, I am sure she would agree it is time for Tospy Turvy Land to turn on semi-porn for kids. Let’s honour our children and leave adult themes to appropriate ages and, more importantly, in line with legislation and recommended guidelines.
Amelia Donnelly, wellbeing author, meditation teacher, and primary school educator
