in thinking Children should never be taken to a demonstration.

[Tokyotwist]

I keep seeing children in the crowds of demonstrators on the news at the moment.

While I support peoples right to demonstrate, I have never understood why anyone would take their child to something that could so easily become violent.

Even in the UK, I think this is highly irresponsible.

And I just don't believe that the child (particularly very young ones), have chosen to go because they strongly/passionately believe in the cause.

I'd take mine to a demo. I think it's mostly pretty clear which elements could become nasty. I agree with the poster who said it's similar to any large crowded event - we take ours to festivals occasionally and avoid the areas of the site where there could be a crush or others could become troublesome. If you take children, you approach the event in a 'child friendly' way and are extra cautious.

My mother took me to lots of demos, too; some great fun memories.

I'm going on the March For The Alternative on Mar 26 in London and taking my 6mo with me. I'd be taking my 2yo twins too if DH would come, but he won't (doesn't agree there is an alternative )

I have also taken 6mo to football matches, the first when he was five weeks old.

You have to sensible, I wouldn't break away from the main march and if I see trouble brewing I would move away. I have been to football matches before where it has kicked off (not with the baby!) and you can see it's going to happen long before it starts.

My 6mo is breastfed so I have to take him with me. I wouldn't be able to go otherwise and I think that is unreasonable.