Hey Guys...

Actually, there may be more going on than you may realize..especially at the college level at least. In the high schools and below, parents have made it so vehemently clear that we cannot tell kids anything that might influence them although they are very well informed indeed. At the college level, there are definitely groups raising awareness about SI, ED's, LGTB awareness, depression, alcoholism, rape and date rape, STD's, on campus counseling services, drug addictions, and other things...many of these groups are being led by students and also pushed forward by national non-profit groups that also see the need for earlier education and awareness of mental illnesses and addictions. Deniswazere, I know the SI awareness movement has been catching on in universities quite well with a strong forum over there. I've seen my kids in middle school and elementary school are very definitely getting the strong no drug, no alcohol, no cigarette messages and DEA agents and red ribbon weeks are popular events.

But rather than thinking of nebulous people, I already lightly introduce the idea of all types of people and different types of illness and disorders both physical and mental/emotional and handicaps and general empathy for all people. That can be taught any day to any child around you with a smile or a silly face and respecting their space and having them respect yours. It also shows in how you treat people that are different than you in front of any child whether it's holding a door or giving a homeless person a sandwich or helping someone in a wheelchair...easy stuff. Just my opinion and what I've seen locally..and heard in my groups..

Take care,

Wysteria Blue