05 Jan Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of medicating children
Order Instructions
The article discussing Ritalin and children https://ahrp.org/pre-school-children-on-ritalin-21302/ (Links to an external site.) (Link will open in new tab.) raises a number of contested issues involving both education and medicine, which are currently debated in the public realm. On the one hand, more children are able to survive and thrive in school and relationships as a result of the accessibility of medication. In addition, public debate has reduced the secrecy and stigma faced by young people with mental health diagnoses. On the other hand, critics claim that we are over-diagnosing and over-treating our kids such that what is normal behavior for some becomes pathologized or medicalized. Kids taking medication also potentially have to face negative side effects that can impact sleep, weight, appetite, and other challenging areas for kids.
Instructions:
Step 1: Respond to the following:
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of medicating children. Explain the impact this has on both our educational institutions as well as on our larger system of healthcare. Be sure to embed your discussion using a sociological lens.
Step 2: Read other students’ posts and respond to at least two other students. Incorporate personal experience, if appropriate, to help support or debate other students’ posts. If differences of opinion occur, debate the issues and provide examples to support opinions.
