TED Conversations

Varlan Allan

Teacher,

TEDCRED 10+

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

Debate: Having children should be regulated or licensed

We need a license to drive a car, to run a business or to become part of professional bodies. Why on earth would we leave something as difficult and demanding of thought, care and responsibility to those that may not be fit to do so?
Too often those who should not have children do have them, often leaving the child ill prepared and in many cases a burden upon society. Should there not be some psychological evaluation people should take before they are deemed capable of performing the responsibilities required of a parent?

Related Talks:
+5
Share:

Closing Statement from Varlan Allan

Thanks to everyone for contributing to this conversation. It was difficult to think such aspects of human life need to be considered in our current society, but we have all imparted valuable perspectives and considered the logic of such possibilities.

Ultimately, society will decide what is best for itself. But we must not deter from asking the difficult questions and what its impact could mean for the future stability of our global community.

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.

  • thumb

    Lejan . 30+

    • +1
    TED Translator
    Nov 9 2012: So who then defines those psychological evaluations? Who is allowed to decide for others if they are allowed to reproduce or not? What about mentally ill people, or disabled people? Are they not allowed to have children according to norm? What is norm? What makes a good parent? IQ, EQ, both? What is the equivalent of a 'rocket scientist' in this field of studies?

    With all due respect, but if I look at the history of my nation, I am getting ideas where this sort of thinking may lead to again.

    Parenthood is more than just maschinery, economics or profession. Much more! And it can not be reduced into multiple choice 'If... then' phrases.

    The only aspect I would agree to, and which I am actually missing in our current school system, is to offer a broad knowledge about aspects of upbringing, based on Social, Neural and Behavioural Sciences. To offer, not to dictate, because there is a crucial difference to it!

    • Varlan Allan 10+

      • 0
      Nov 12 2012: Maybe a combination of both things are needed evaluation and education and observation?
      • thumb

        Lejan . 30+

        • 0
        TED Translator
        Nov 12 2012: I disagree on evaluation and observation! Only education is key here, again.

        Child maltreatment should stay monitored as it is today, within kindergarden, schools, neighbourhood, families, specialized contact points and counselling centers. A healthy society can manage this without any additional observation and to avoid 1984 and worse to appear today or any time in the future.

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.