Writing/righting some of the wrongs we learned when we were younger:

‘Children must be seen and not heard’ is an old saying that many young children – blessedly – are now growing without hearing. But some still are.

When I was little I had the misfortune of hearing it a time or two, and of receiving my share of disappointed looks when adults couldn’t get me to stop talking.

Now, genuinely rude behavior aside, children ought not to be punished for having opinions and ideas. The aforementioned saying demands silence from young people and makes us into decorative ornaments that are called upon to be admired from time to time but relegated to a fairly dusty shelf otherwise.

And this is wrong. Youthful energy and vivacity is best put to use when young people are engaged in societal issues and feel at ease developing and expressing their opinions on matters of interest.

Even though this saying is not as commonplace today in Jamaica as it was say five or six years ago. Its effects are felt when persons dismiss youth views and involvement, and children are punished and labeled as rude for merely daring to disagree (even if it is done respectfully).

And this is something that must be changed if we are to really tap into the full potential of our local youth.

Parents and guardians would be mindful to remember that it is the same children that are opinionated and curious and willing to defend their beliefs even in the face of opposition, that become great leaders and

adults that are comfortable standing up to opposition as is necessary.

The time to put this saying and its attitude to bed is long overdue – ‘gwaan talk my yute’.