Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Would you allow teenager to go to anti restrictions protest

198 replies

Tobeirritatedhdeh · 16/09/2021 16:56

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?

OP posts:
canigooutyet · 16/09/2021 19:31

How would you stop the 17 year old from attending?
They could tell you they are going to hang out with mates for the day and attend.

Claudethecat · 16/09/2021 19:32

Freedom to protest is important, but what restrictions is he concerned about? Also, if he was one of the nitwits gadding around wearing a yellow star, he'd be out on his ear.

Claudethecat · 16/09/2021 19:34

Oh, just realised that the concerns he has are about restrictions that might come in.

AlexaShutUp · 16/09/2021 19:35

I would not stop my dd from attending a legal protest, if she felt strongly about an issue.

However, I'd be incredibly disappointed if I had raised a child who was stupid and selfish enough to protest against basic public health measures.

canigooutyet · 16/09/2021 19:38

You can get a provisional license at 15 years and 9 months. And book your theory and driving test for the day you turn 17. There are many companies that do off road lessons for those under 17.

Peteycat · 16/09/2021 19:43

@MrsLCSofLichfield

Porcupineintherough was very kind and helpful to me and others on here when were all sick with COVID back in March-April 2020, which is more than I can say about bams like you."

So? She's still willing to chuck a kid in the street for standing up for their rights, what does that really say about her, or you for that matter?

Peteycat · 16/09/2021 19:44

This boy should be able and hopefully will demonstrate his right to speak out and act upon restrictions that have impacted him and his generation.

Sparklingbrook · 16/09/2021 19:48

@canigooutyet

You can get a provisional license at 15 years and 9 months. And book your theory and driving test for the day you turn 17. There are many companies that do off road lessons for those under 17.
Yes, my DSs had a few of those under 17 lessons, but I'm glad they had a few months of proper driving lessons too. I think the way tests are at the moment (waiting lists) you'd be doing well to get one on your 17th birthday, and you need to pass the theory before taking the practical.

That said though, if this driver who passed his test on his 17th birthday is planning to fill his car (presuming he also owns a car) with his mates and going off to a protest is that what's worrying the OP?

gogohm · 16/09/2021 20:22

At 17 they are old enough to think through the issues. I would suggest talking to them first about why they want to go

underneaththeash · 16/09/2021 20:28

@lannistunut - enlight me on which health conditions can't have any of the vaccines.

canigooutyet · 16/09/2021 20:46

[quote underneaththeash]@lannistunut - enlight me on which health conditions can't have any of the vaccines.[/quote]
The poster has no obligation to post their medical history.
Allergies to the ingredients for example are a known contra. People with very rare illnesses may be also advised to wait. Data is still missing for any contras to medication.

canigooutyet · 16/09/2021 20:59

*some medications.

www.ulh.nhs.uk/content/uploads/2020/12/PHE-vaccine-leaflet.pdf

If you are on blood thinners like warfarin it's advisable to get additional advice and to check if your INR is within range,

MLMbotsno · 16/09/2021 21:34

@Skinnytailedsquirrel

What "restrictions" are they protesting about??
This.

I'd be disappointed that they were jumping on the bandwagon frequented by anti vaxxers, conspiracy theorists and general that's.

NailsNeedDoing · 16/09/2021 21:35

Yes, their age group has to suffer the worst consequences, they have every right to protest.

lljkk · 16/09/2021 21:36

I'd be secretly jealous of them for being braver than me.

I would warn them that a lot of nutjobs would be there, conspiracy theorists, zealots, people whose biases rule over belief in evidence. Ditto if they went to a pro iSAGE event, tbh. Or anywhere that Deepti Gurdasani spoke at.

I would be worried about the situation as grooming event by the Alt-right.

Porcupineintherough · 16/09/2021 21:48

@NailsNeedDoing the worst consequences? Like death?

Peteycat · 16/09/2021 21:51

"21:48Porcupineintherough

@NailsNeedDoing the worst consequences? Like death?"

No don't be so silly, the poster means out of all age groups, this generation suffered the most socially and lets not forget the trivial matter of their education shall we?

Covidworries · 16/09/2021 22:26

I wouldnt be happy because
A. I dont think its advisable to be mixing in large groups at this time.
B. Protests can quickly go to dangerous enviroments if people take things too far.
C. I dont agree with the reason for the protest.

I would hope they would have more sense especially as their younger sibling is CEV. Luckily l dont think they would want to go or be in support of the protest.
However, if they were wanting to protest / have their view heard that they would find alternative ways to do this. I wouldnt stop them if they were adament but they would have to understand tge possible consequencies and risks and what difference the protest could achieve if hospitals become overwhelmed ie would the protest actually stop plan B being implemented if hospitals are close to failing and if hospitals fail what that actually means for everyone needing treatment for any reason.

As an aside i would also be concerned about a newly passed driver driving that far and in london traffic.

Shelddd · 16/09/2021 22:45

@Covidworries

I wouldnt be happy because A. I dont think its advisable to be mixing in large groups at this time. B. Protests can quickly go to dangerous enviroments if people take things too far. C. I dont agree with the reason for the protest.

I would hope they would have more sense especially as their younger sibling is CEV. Luckily l dont think they would want to go or be in support of the protest.
However, if they were wanting to protest / have their view heard that they would find alternative ways to do this. I wouldnt stop them if they were adament but they would have to understand tge possible consequencies and risks and what difference the protest could achieve if hospitals become overwhelmed ie would the protest actually stop plan B being implemented if hospitals are close to failing and if hospitals fail what that actually means for everyone needing treatment for any reason.

As an aside i would also be concerned about a newly passed driver driving that far and in london traffic.

C is a bad reason. Other 2 obviously are valid but telling someone else what's acceptable and unacceptable reason to protest is very dangerous. I get it's your kid but at this age they are entitled to their own opinions. They are their own people.
Porcupineintherough · 16/09/2021 23:00

@Peteycatand that has what to do with wearing a mask exactly?

Covidworries · 16/09/2021 23:02

Didnt say i would tell them what acceptable / not acceptable / what to do etc. I daid i wouldnt be happy for those reasons.

Obv. As a family we discuss all manor of things but i wouldnt force my views on them but thats not the same as saying i dont agree. But same as i wouldnt be happy at them smoking doesnt mean i would stop them smoking but if discussing it yes i would say reasons why i would prefer them not to smoke. Or they may say thwy dont like something i do. This can be discussed in a family but we also encourage people to make their own decisions

Method · 16/09/2021 23:20

@Skinnytailedsquirrel

What "restrictions" are they protesting about??
This ^^
DumplingsAndStew · 16/09/2021 23:57

I would be seriously, seriously unhappy about this, as the kind of nutcases seen at those events can be seen. I wouldn't be happy with my child going anywhere with a group of hidden, unaccountable influences that attempt to brainwash and groom vulnerable people.

That's assuming you are talking about anti-mask, anti-vaccine, anti-restriction, Us For Them, HART, Yeadon, et al, and not Plan B as in birth control.

StrongLegs · 17/09/2021 00:04

I would take a very dim view of that, but I don't have a child of that age. I can see how it could be complicated.

EmeraldShamrock · 17/09/2021 01:25

I'd worry if the protest got violent, it is his choice but he'd be sleeping in his car for a fortnight.

Swipe left for the next trending thread