Statement on Ohio House Bill 616
For over 170 years, Beech Acres Parenting Center has been supporting parents. Statement on Ohio House Bill 616 Beech Acres Parenting Center is opposed to Ohio House Bill 616 and any similar legislation in the United States that is not based in scientific understanding of child development. Beech Acres supports creating psychologically safe school environments where children can be their authentic selves. We know that this improves their development and creates a welcoming, inclusive culture for all students. This is especially important for those in minority and marginalized groups who are at higher risk for attempting and dying by suicide. What is House Bill 616? HB 616 seeks to prohibit “promotion and teaching of divisive or inherently racist concepts in public schools” by drawing inspiration from and combining content of Ohio HB 327 and Florida HB 1557. Specifically targeted in the bill are topics of sexual orientation and gender identity and “divisive or inherently racist concepts.” This language is problematic in that there are no clearly defined parameters for these concepts. These restrictions are not grounded in science as understood by childhood development experts. The best way to begin to break down stereotypes is to have frequent discussions as early as developmentally appropriate. What is Developmentally Appropriate? Accepted scientific consensus concerning what is developmentally appropriate for children is at odds philosophically with HB 616. By 6 months of age, infants can categorize others by race and by age 3 they are able to categorize their own gender. Racial bias can be developed between ages 3 and 5. By age 7, 73% of transgender women and 78% of transgender men experienced gender dysphoria. And age 10 is the average age of “first sexual attraction” for both heterosexuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Further, racism has been linked to negatively affecting both physical health and persistent mental health problems in children, teens, and adolescents. What Can Parents Do? Beech Acres Parenting Center is a safe space where all families are welcome and supported. If your family values include teaching your children about the different experiences other kids & families may be experiencing here are some ideas you can try. If your children represent groups included in the bill, we have several resources available on our website to help guide you in having these important conversations on race, gender and sexuality. If your child hears about the bill and wants to discuss it, start by being honest and empathetic with them about the bill. Read the bill itself and explain it in an age-appropriate manner. This can be an at-home civics lesson about how a bill becomes law. Ask open-ended questions to explore what your child may have heard in the classroom and community. Talk to your children about fairness and justice. Ask these reflective questions suitable for all families and actively listen to their answers: Don’t avoid these conversations with your children just because they are uncomfortable. Have the confidence to have these important age-appropriate conversations. And keep talking to them about these issues. Recognizing and celebrating diverse cultures and recognizing that injustice and inequalities exist is the same conversation. Finally, discuss how your family can be open, inclusive, and kind to everyone they encounter. Advocate for your child, their friends, and your community. Increasing acceptance and reducing bias creates a positive, welcoming environment for everyone. Go Further With These Relevant Blog Posts Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid Fast Facts for Parents Coming Out: A Guide for Parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Gender Expansive (LGBTQ+) Youth A Parent’s Guide to Having Critically Important Conversations About Diversity, Racism, and Equality with Your Children Part 1 A Parent’s Guide to Having Critically Important Conversations About Diversity, Racism, and Equality with Your Children Part 2 Additional Books, Media, and Other Resources: PFLAG The Trevor Project Kaleidoscope Youth Center Love The Skin You’re In The World Needs More Purple People Wonder I Am Malala The Hate U Give Gender Unicorn LGBTQ crisis hotlines
