I just want to say as a person who has worked in university settings, cell phones and social media may not be the biggest threat to youths it has to be up there. I have run campus dining for three different universities, and it is amazing the lack of face-to-face social interaction. Each person dining seems to be in their own individual bubble, tethered to their phone like it is life support. I have hired many student workers over the years, and I have noticed a true downturn in interview skills. I have had parents help the students fill out applications, and some have requested to be in the room for the interview. I nicely tell them they cannot. Most of the student workers immediately grab the phone as soon as there is a break in a line. My wife and I just got back from Ireland a few weeks ago. We took my niece and nephew. You should have seen the look of fear and dread on their faces when they realized we were staying in a house with no Wi-Fi. It is truly like an emotional support dog for the young. No one is going to die from too much screen time, but the social ramifications are evident for a person who has witnessed the birth of smart phones. My wife said one time to me. All the information in the world is at our fingertips but we are ending up dumber instead of smarter.
I’ve just skimmed this thread and while troubling it is to be expected in absolute numbers there would be more abuse of children in public schools than other institutions as that is where unrelated adults will have the most contact with children. Also to not most abuse has been shown to be done not strangers but by people both known and trusted by the victim. Sadly abuse of children is both widespread and endemic in society. It’s a huge issue among those of us who coach youth sports.
Like so many things though just living in fear that sending my kid to public school or to church group will mean they get abused isn’t the answer. Transparency and knowledge are the best ways of addressing this. As a coach I’m bound by both legal and ethical requirements with minors. I also am very open to parents being involved (to an extent) in coaching. For parents who have concerns about their children participating in martial arts or other sports I highly recommend talking to the coaches and reading the requirements they are to follow. A good place to start is the US center for Safe Sports which I and other certified coaches are required to follow. https://uscenterforsafesport.org/training-and-education/safesport-courses-for-all/
Even more sad is that most child rapes and abuse happen by their own parents at home, where the poor kid is threatened to keep quiet, and often abused for years. That, or by a relative or friend of the family.
