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Age-Inappropriate Content in Schools
Overview
Schools are meant to be places of learning and growth, yet across New Mexico and the nation, students are increasingly exposed to sexually explicit or violently graphic materials in classrooms and libraries. Many of these books and resources would earn a movie an “R” rating or be restricted in other public venues—yet they are made available to children, often without parental knowledge.
My Kid, My Choice affirms: parents have the right to decide when and how their children are introduced to sensitive content, not schools or outside activists.
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What Parents Need to Know
What’s Being Found in Schools
- Books with graphic sexual acts, pornography-level descriptions, and violent imagery are being discovered in school libraries.
- Some districts label these as “inclusive” or “diverse voices,” but the content is often inappropriate for minors.
Impact on Children
- The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that early exposure to sexually explicit content is linked to higher rates of risky behavior, confusion, and mental health struggles.
- Violently graphic content can desensitize children, increase aggression, and undermine healthy emotional development.
Lack of Transparency
- Parents are rarely notified when their child is assigned or has access to explicit content.
- Book review committees often make decisions behind closed doors, with little parental input.
Legal & Constitutional Realities
Supreme Court Precedent
In Ginsberg v. New York (1968), the Court upheld laws restricting sexually explicit material for minors.
First Amendment Balance
While free speech protections apply to adults, the Court has recognized that children may be shielded from obscenity or harmful material.
New Mexico Reality
Currently, there are few uniform safeguards across the state to ensure parents are informed about or can challenge inappropriate school content. Policies vary widely by district.
Know Your Rights
Talking Points for Parents
Use these when speaking with school boards, educators, or legislators:
Talking Point #1
“If it’s too graphic to read aloud at a school board meeting, it’s too graphic for children’s libraries.”
Talking Point #2
“Parents regulate screen time, movies, and video games at home. Schools must respect parents’ role in guiding content, too.”
Talking Point #3
“Age-appropriate does not mean censoring ideas—it means protecting kids from harmful material until they are ready.”
Talking Point #4
“Families deserve transparency and a say in what is placed in school libraries.”
What You Can Do
Check your school library
Search your child’s school catalog for flagged titles. (Parents can request lists of all available books.)
Raise Concerns
Bring specific examples to teachers, principals, or the school board. Document your requests in writing.
Organize with Parents
Join or form parent groups to review materials and advocate for clear standards.
Request Alternatives
If a book is assigned that conflicts with your family’s values, ask for an alternative.
Advocate for Policy Change
Support district or state policies requiring transparency and parental notification.
Bottom Line
Children deserve age-appropriate education that fosters growth without exposing them to harmful, sexually explicit, or violent content. Protecting innocence is not censorship—it’s responsible parenting.
Because when it comes to what our kids see and read—My Kid. My Choice.