Would you allow teenager to go to anti restrictions protest

[Tobeirritatedhdeh]

DS is 17 (just turned) and can drive and really wants to go to the protest on the 25th. Would you allow a teenager to go to an anti plan B protest?

Yes

Wouldnt ban them but might tell them not to bother coming home again. But I'm sure your dd has thought deeply about this and has got some really good insights into the issue.

No. Over 18 yes but I’d be disappointed in mine if they thought restrictions should be abolished over health. Teens may be low risk but not everyone is and I hope they would understand that.

No.

Mine would not want to go, because we have an exceptionally vulnerable person in the household. And in our circumstances, no I would not want them to go.

But if everyone was in normal health, then I'd have no more objection to this than any other large outdoors gathering.

No.

Yes. I don't think it is appropriate to stop a 17 yr old expressing their views in a non-violent way. I'd be discussing the basis for their views though.

(I do have more sympathy for young people who are opposed to continuing restrictions than for older people. Young people have been asked to give up a lot for little or no direct gain for themselves)

I wouldn't agree with them, but wouldn't try to stop them going.

Might be worth reminding him that if restrictions are needed because of a failing NHS he'd do well to drive very carefully if he doesn't want to wait for an ambulance or life saving treatment in the events had an accident.

At 17 he ought to be able to express his own views - whether or not you agree with them.

I don't really agree with the cause but I support people's right to nonviolent protest, so I would allow it but encourage them not to get involved in anything that might be problematic and get them into trouble.

At 17 yes I think that's old enough, though I am pretty protective of DC and would give them a stern talk about staying out of trouble and listening to their instincts. These protests to date have felt pretty safe. Keep away from the inevitable contingents of shirtless young blokes and instead, for a really lovely vibe, join in with the African contingents (look out for flags and listen out for music) , the Hare Krishnas, or the vicars dotted about.
If he's been on climate protests before, these are very similar in feel but a bit more diverse.

I would be joining him! Good for him.

Yes absolutely. The restrictions were applied like a blunt instrument and have young people have given up a huge amount for the good of wider society and very little benefit to them, if any in fact.

Absolutely. Good for him.

I think it depends on if you have someone vulnerable in your household they could give covid too... If you don't then yeah let them go.

Probably give them some advice about leaving or staying away if any type of violent or potentially dangerous or illegal behaviour starts happening/escalating.

Why is being able to drive relevant? The last thing anybody needs is their car caught up in demonstration traffic, a Kettering exercise or just stuck until the other protestors decide they've had enough.

I'd be disappointed in his view.

But I wouldn't stop him nor do I think it's possible to do so.

I'd encourage an open and honest discussion though and point out all the reasons they have restrictions on public health grounds.

I'd encourage him to say what he thinks a better solution would be to stop the nhs being overwhelmed.

Often people who protest against things do so because they don't like it (don't we all hate lockdown?) but they rarely have alternatives of how we can prevent the thing it's being done for.

Ask him if he (god forbid) had a car accident he'd be happy if an ambulance couldn't attend due to high COVID rates overwhelming the service?

If they can drive their own car, and are willing to pay for the petrol I would try to stop them. They wouldn't be borrowing my car, though.

Yes, if nobody in society was vulnerable confused

Nope most didn't care when flu.and other viruses were about.

Support someone for doing what they believe in we need more.

@itsgettingwierd

I'd be disappointed in his view.

But I wouldn't stop him nor do I think it's possible to do so.

I'd encourage an open and honest discussion though and point out all the reasons they have restrictions on public health grounds.

I'd encourage him to say what he thinks a better solution would be to stop the nhs being overwhelmed.

Often people who protest against things do so because they don't like it (don't we all hate lockdown?) but they rarely have alternatives of how we can prevent the thing it's being done for.

Ask him if he (god forbid) had a car accident he'd be happy if an ambulance couldn't attend due to high COVID rates overwhelming the service?

And if I were him I would counter that with 'what is the government going to do, or what are the older generation, many of whom made a fortune on property, had no tuition fees, state pensions etc, going to sacrifice to help young people be able to buy houses and generally have the same standard of living as previous generations?'

There's a lot of expectation on the young to continually keep sacrificing things with no thought given to their needs or priorities.

What "restrictions" are they protesting about??

I'd be very proud!

Yes, part of living in a democracy is the thankfully we can demonstrate for the things we believe in. However I would advise her to be careful as it is unlikely the police will be so gentle as they were to the extinction rebellion protestors on the motorway this week.