What's Best for the Kids?

This past January, Florida state GOP lawmakers introduced and advanced a bill prohibiting schools from 'encouraging' talk of sexual orientation and gender identity in some classrooms. On March 8, 2022, the Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill (HB 1557), and it will now be sent to the Governor’s hands to sign; after it is signed, the new law will take effect this summer. The bill prohibits education administrators, faculty, and staff from discussing or teaching about sexual orientation with its kids in grades kindergarten through third grade. Parents will be able to sue Florida school systems if they believe schools do not adhere to the new law. Advocates in favor of the law say that the legislation aims to give parents more oversight when learning about LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) related topics. Those against the bill believe that the law will have a harmful effect on youth who are a part of the LGBTQ community, preventing them from being able to learn about LGBTQ topics or seek counsel in school. As is, I believe the bill does not help overcome problems or biases that many kids face, especially as they grow up. The bill should be reframed to encompass liberal and inclusive ideology along with additional resources for students, teachers, and school administrators. I believe sexuality to be at the center of what this bill is fighting to address - whether a child should be allowed to verbally and publicly identify their sexual orientation at a young age. Sexual curiosity is a natural thing, but I feel it is a conversation that should be addressed when an adolescent reaches a certain level of maturity. According to Professor James A. Tanner, puberty begins between ages 9-11 for girls and about age 11 for boys. I think this is a suitable time to reshape how sexuality is introduced and discuss changes the body is making with kids, allowing them to ask any questions they may have. I believe these initial questions can help kids and provide an opportunity to identify any concerns they have that would indicate curiosity around gender identity. I also think all kids should participate in a sort of mandatory one-on-one mental health counseling beginning at puberty to help cope with changes and keep track of their thoughts and feelings around sexual identity and orientation.

Additional resources in schools through the new bill could help dispel biases around gender and sexual identity because there will be more understanding. When children are equipped with truthful, unbiased information in a nurturing environment, they can grow to be kids that respect all people. In turn, families (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.) receive knowledge too and are better informed to develop empathy. It will be interesting to see what happens as a result of this new law. I can only hope kids can continue to be kids and enjoy their childhood with all the love and support they need, no matter their sexual orientation or identity.