Lads' mags - what do we think?

I'm thankful that neither of my grandsons watch any of the soaps. Except for the odd occasion when they are here and naughty granny doesn't' t get them to bed in time.

She's home from school. I asked her. She had no idea. Didn't even know the word (confused it with Protestant – oops!). But one of her pals has a damaged nerve in her neck and another is on crutches because he broke his ankle ("really badly") skateboarding.

So, as suspected, village life in Scotland, and lack of exposure to unsuitable media is not conducive to such knowledge.

Yes,bags, you obviously live in a completely different type of area from those where most children live. Did you explain the word to her, having mentioned it? If not, at what age would you expect her to know it?
I am sure there must be some children in the village/school who watch the soaps and would know the word but perhaps they are in different friendship groups.

I went to a convent school where we had absolutely no education on human reproduction, not even about menstruation, but somehow we all knew the joke about the nun who confused 'prostitute' with 'protestant'. I don't suppose any of us would have dared admit to our mother that we knew it, though.

Yes, I did explain its meaning. I don't think I'd ever expect children under the age of about sixteen to know the word. I wouldn't necessarily be surprised if they did, but I wouldn't expect it.

She is well-informed about human reproduction and menstruation, and about such related things as homosexuality and abortion. We bought her three books recommended by DD2, who works for a charitable youth drop-in centre in Leith, when she was nine. She 'devoured' them. At that time she was particularly interested in how babies are born (as was DD1). The biology is fascinating.

DD2, who has lots of contact with young city kids from the age of twelve, often remarks about their ignorance about such matters. Presumably they don't learn much at school (not necessarily because it isn't taught, but because they don't/can't pay attention), and perhaps their parents don't discuss such things with them.

Should be "as was DD1 at that age"

One Billion Rising post on Facebook, about how children can misinterpret or accept as true, the things they see that are not corrected or put into context for them by adults.

http://notthenewsinbriefs.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/childish-mistakes/

notthenewsinbriefs.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/childish-mistakes/

Sorry, didn't blue it.