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So it looks like one of my local TDs, Anne Rabbitte, could become Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, or whatever the equivalent portfolio is to be called.
As a young person, I believe that'll be disastrous. Here's why:
As a young person, I believe that'll be disastrous. Here's why:
Within the last year Rabbitte has put forward a rhetoric that doesn't solve issues she identified but just sweeps the issue under the rug.
One such example is at a local teenage disco, many of the people there were drunk despite being under 18.
One such example is at a local teenage disco, many of the people there were drunk despite being under 18.
In response she brought attention to the actions and inactions of this particular business running these discos. Although that can be seen as a good thing, it's worth noting that this only solved the issue in one place without addressing Ireland's drinking culture.
Believe it or not, many if not most Irish teenagers drink before they're 18 and this is something that ought to be acknowledged. Perhaps it might be worth looking into legalising the sale of drinks with a low alcohol content to those over 16.
Another example of Rabbitte sweeping the real issue under the rug is her wanting to ban porn for under 18s.
Despite many Irish people having like 46 children, we still find it hard to talk about sex. But we have to talk about it.
Despite many Irish people having like 46 children, we still find it hard to talk about sex. But we have to talk about it.
Sex is a normal part of life and vindicating porn as something immoral doesn't help. Not only is enforcement of a porn ban near impossible, I would argue it's not even preferable.
When giving sex ed we should talk about porn, sex work, and consent.
When giving sex ed we should talk about porn, sex work, and consent.
Porn isn't realistic and if we ensure that all young people are aware of that then we can remove any of the dangers associated with porn.
Lastly, as one Anne Rabbitte's constituents and as a young person, the portfolio she's likely to be given will have an effect on me. Despite that she has me blocked on Twitter after I asked why she was blocking so many people.
If she won't listen to young people how can help us?
If she won't listen to young people how can help us?
