The End of Innocence? What should and should not be taught in schools?

This is a recording of a debate organised by Don’t Divide Us and Terra Firma on Tuesday 23 February 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Whether it’s racialised curricula, radicalised educators, or sexualised reading material, students today are being exposed to adult themes and lesson content at younger ages than previous generations. Why is this happening? Is it harmful, and–if so–what should we be doing about it? Or is it part of schools’ job to prepare children for the society in which they are growing up?

SPEAKERS

Jennie Bristow
Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Canterbury Christ Church University, Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Parenting Culture Studies, and writer on generational conflict and collaboration

James Esses
Writer, Commentator and co-founder of ‘Thoughtful Therapists’

Christine Sefein
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in grief and trauma with adults and children, and Professor of Clinical Psychology

CHAIR

Dr Carole Sherwood
Clinical Psychologist and Don’t Divide Us Advisory Council member.