Soapbox

Should teenagers be exposed to breastfeeding?

Jun 30 09:26am

- Should teenagers be taught about breastfeeding?

Hume Central Secondary College in Broadmeadows (VIC) cancelled a planned live demonstration of breastfeeding to Year 7 and 8 students. The class was postponed for fear uninformed parents would complain.

School Principal Glenn Proctor says he had become “sensitive” to all the nationalities at the school and he felt parental consent was necessary before children could watch a woman breastfeed her baby. Sunrise didn't have to look far to find someone who thought that teaching kids about breastfeeding was unnecessary.

Dr Jennifer James is a Nursing and Midwifery lecturer at RMIT in Melbourne thinks school children should all see breastfeeding in action.

Meanwhile, The Australian Breastfeeding Association is campaigning to have lesson plans introduced to encourage the education of children so that they know more, not less, about breastfeeding.

What do you think? Should teenagers witness breastfeeding at school?
Tell us below...

25 Comments Report Abuse

11. vmohring - Jun 30 12:56pm

what the hell is wrong with all u people ..why are you all making so much fuss about something that is none of your business, it shouldnt be shoved in the faces of teenagers..they have more to look forward to in life than watching someone breastfeed a baby.

12. helencm73 - Jun 30 01:09pm

The WA curriculum also includes sex education at year7. The issue of breastfeeding must come under this heading. We as a society are trying to change the views on breastfeeding who better to educate than our children, this is where change begins.

13. helencm73 - Jun 30 01:11pm

As for concentrating on reading and writing in school, these children are learning correct terminology for the parts of the body, and how to communicate their thoughts and feelings on the subject. I am dissappointed with your reaction to this Mel.

14. hdawson8686 - Jun 30 03:53pm

Breastfeeding is the most natural act of human survival. Future generations should definately be exposed to breastfeeding through life from early childhood. If we all saw mothers breastfeeding as much as we saw breasts in the media perhaps we'd all see it for what it really is- natural and normal!

15. amy_mckay79 - Jun 30 04:21pm

I recently breastfed my baby for an antenatal class. They appreciated the opportunity to observe natural feeding before they have their baby. If we want to encourage more people to breastfeed, as is recommended in the dietary guidelines, we need to normalise it from a young age.

16. barbara_lord2000 - Jun 30 07:55pm

I have to agree with the comments made after the story - that schools should be a place of academic learning not life skills. Teachers are in the firing line about their teaching standards and students struggling with basic literacy and numeracy skills. Parents need to take more responsibility.

17. tonywasson - Jul 01 06:07am

i think it should be taught in schools but not shown to boys we need to understand that breast feeding in public is as normal as walking but the boys dont need it we are bombarded with all sorts girly issuse look we need our boys to become men not shemen

18. tonywasson - Jul 01 06:15am

whats goin on in our schools they should stick to readin and ritin look at the way i spel this is wat they should be consetratin on taech us to write and spel corect sinse wen do thay do life skils its up to the perants not schols ben a boy lernin to brest fed isnt goin ta get me a job

19. cowgrrrl351 - Jul 01 08:00am

Breastfeeding is a fantastic natural thing. Having babies at 13 and 14 is not. Why do we need to encourage the concept that they can look after children that young? Exposed? Piffle. But I do think that this sort of thing should be left up to lactation consultants when mothers HAVE babies.

20. mumtoone06 - Jul 01 07:43pm

It should not be done in schools, no. Bf is natural, yes, so is sex, shall we start offering practical demonstrations of safe sex too? Time enough to learn about bf when they are actually pregnant and attending antenatal classes. Concentrate on academics whilst still in school.

Previous Page | 2 of 3 Pages | Next Page

Leave your comments You must sign in to leave a comment

latest videos

linked subtitle

Paulini has lived a life of highs and lows - from amazing musical success down to the trauma of an abusive ex-boyfriend. She shares her story.

Video

joke of the day

linked subtitle

Read today's jokeSend a joke in for Kochie

linked subtitle

Friends are like bras - they're always there for support, but sometimes they can be a bit difficult. - Natasha, NSW

Do you have a thought for Mel?

Special Offer

linked subtitle

All the latest deals from Jetstar

Latest offers

soapbox

Kurt Fearnley: I was relief teaching in Blayney when I met Kurt as a young school boy. The first thing that struck me was his smile and contagious positive outlook at all times. I see nothing has changed with this outstanding Australian. Although I never saw him again, it is a testament to the power of his personality that I have not forgotten him more than 15 years later.

Email Sunrise