Susie answers “Appropriate for mature teens?”

Sarah asked this question about Gone Girl:

Appropriate for mature teens?

Susie I'm fifteen and reading this book. I think it is appropriate, some parents seem to want to shelter their teenager from all 'adult' themes (sex, rape, …moreI'm fifteen and reading this book. I think it is appropriate, some parents seem to want to shelter their teenager from all 'adult' themes (sex, rape, relationships,abuse, manipulation) and are unaware that we're already encountering these themes in our lives, in milder forms but still. Reading books that have these themes is a crucial and SAFE way in understanding what they are. You can't censor everything in your child's life because then if they experience, for example, abuse they aren't going to know what it is and how to deal with it. Especially if your child is 16+, they are legally able to consent to sex (in the UK) but you won't let them read a book that contains the theme of sex in it. If you stop your teenager from reading these things then it can lead to resentment and ultimately distrust, luckily my parents are liberal but I've seen it happen with my friends and their parents. You need to open your eyes and see that your teenager isn't a kid any more and is on the verge of adulthood, they might go in completely unaware of things that adults encounter. Obviously they won't experience everything in this book and obviously they shouldn't react in the ways shown in this book but they need to be aware of these themes. (less)

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Lily Luna I completely agree- I am very glad that there is someone else who shares the same view :)
Jan 15, 2015 10:27PM · flag

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