MP canvassing with child

[FantasticFox27]

My local MP came canvassing last week with a teenage child in tow (secondary school age). I assume it was his son. The cynic in me thinks that he brought this child as a type of shield, being a Tory MP he could expect a lot of hassle on doorsteps and perhaps people will be more inclined to be more friendly in the company of a child.
I don't know this was the rationale behind the decision to take the child with him, but it still made me question his rational thinking and morals. He can expect that he will at best have some harsh words from some constituents, but realistically he can expect some severe hostility in the current climate. I have 13 and 15 year old children and I would never choose to put them in that sort of situation. I do my best not to judge other peoples parenting, but in this case I can't help it! I honestly think he has put his child's safety at risk to try and protect himself.
Am I wrong? Or is this the norm?

I went canvassing and leafleting with my dad from about age 5. He wasn’t a candidate (or a Tory!) just an activist and I went because I enjoyed it. I loved spending time with my dad, I loved playing “postman” and i Often got given sweets and treats.

perhaps this kid is interested and engaged with his dad’s political career. I am still very politically engaged now and am Canvassing and leafleting this GE aged 56.

Not just canvassing

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/16/newsid_2913000/2913807.stm

Nobody should be facing abuse while out canvassing, children with them or not. You may not agree with their politics but that doesn’t mean you can abuse them - just say no thank you and shut the door!

people often complain about the lack of canvassing but if we are of the opinion the abuse given would be too much for a 15 year old to cope with then you can hardly blame them for not canvassing!

maybe he wanted to inspire his teen? I know this is a bit ‘in an ideal world’ but he shouldn’t have to use his child at a shield- people shouldn’t be shouting or getting violent towards Candidates-if people could just be rational as opposed to angry idiots things might move a bit faster.Am in Ireland but I spoke to a canvasser last week in my driveway-told him we weren’t of the same mindset but in a diplomatic way. Hopefully people show a bit of respect to him in front of his son

I used to canvas with my relative. I loved it. How is it inappropriate. It was interesting hearing different views and a great life lesson

I was canvassed for Labour by a mid/late teen girl, who called over the candidate (could have been her mum) when she couldn’t answer my question on social care.

I agree with PP - no one should be abusing canvassers, it shouldn’t be an unsafe thing for teens to do. I would think a lot less of someone who abused a canvasser, even if I entirely agreed with their politics and disagreed with the canvasser’s. Democracy is too important to damage it by performative doorstep rage, let alone threats or actual violence.

I'd be more concerned about being aligned with people who would feel it appropriate to abuse someone doing their job regardless of whether they have a teenager with them or not.

DS is 15, one of his friends is volunteering with one of the political parties for this upcoming elections, helping out with leaflet drops and door knocking. He is not related to the candidate.

Sounds a bit down-market; he should've taken a leaf from Jacob Rees-Mogg's book and brought the nanny along too.

As a teenager I was really politically active and canvassed from 16. My parents weren't involved at all so I was effectively with strangers. But it was my volunteering/hobby & I enjoyed it. Some people were awful, I heard a lot of verbal abuse & saw one politician have urine thrown at them. I wouldn't say I was in any way scarred by it & actually I learned a lot about dealing with people, difficult situations etc. 15/16 year old could be working in a shop etc & also come across bad behaviour. Also a politician & their family will be open to abuse even if they're at a restaurant or the beach or wherever. So this particular teen will see abuse directed at the dad even if they weren't taken canvassing.

Oh for goodness sake, children go out canvassing with their parents all the time! My seven year old regularly comes out with me. What a brilliant opportunity to teach children about democracy. What a shame that you have said you are judging their parenting when all the parent is doing is teaching them how our country’s politics operates.

I'm an anti Tory but i wouldnt assume he's brought the kid as a human shield. Id assume that he's brought his child so he can experience it.

A teenager being there wouldn't stop me debating with a tory on my doorstep.

It isn't. Maybe the child in question is really interested in politics. If someone I disagreed with knocked on my door I wouldn't automatically launch into a foul mouthed tirade of abuse, most people wouldn't.