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Everybody Needs To See This Controversial Viral Meme About Children And Consent

Telling your child to hug or kiss a family friend or relative might seem like an innocent thing to do, but as this controversial meme points out, it could actually be giving your kids a dangerous message about the rules of consent.

“I am 5,” reads the meme’s message. “My body is my body. Don’t force me to kiss or hug.” It was posted on A Might Girl’s Facebook page alongside excerpts from an article titled “I don’t own my child’s body,” written by CNN writer and producer Katia Hetter. In it she argues that encouraging children to submit to unwanted affection is actually teaching them that their bodies do not belong to them, and that forcing them to touch people they don’t want to could actually leave them vulnerable to sexual abusers. The post has since been liked more than 88k times and shared by over 162k people. It’s also started a dialogue on what parents should and shouldn’t be teaching their children. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

More info: Facebook (h/t: 22words)

This controversial meme has gone viral for its important message about children and consent

The post was inspired Katia Hetter’s post on CNN titled “I don’t own my child’s body”

In it she argues that forcing kids to show unwanted affection is teaching them that their bodies don’t belong to them, which could leave them vulnerable to abuse

The meme has started a dialogue about children and consent

A number of people agreed with the post and shared their own opinions and stories

Other people had different opinions however

And some shared their belief in the “hug, handshake or high five” option. What do you think?

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What do you think ?

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Herb Eaversmells 7 years ago

I wonder how she feels about having her image and story plastered all over the internet?

73points

Arty 7 years ago

I suppose there is no need to ask permission for that...

9points

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Katherine Morgan 7 years ago

There is nothing that says that is her child. It's probably a stock photo, that anyone can use.

3points

Sara Fina 7 years ago

It's a stock photo of a random girl. Just do a google search, people.

2points

Bridgette David 7 years ago

The girl pictured in this photo is not her daughter. It is probably a stock photo.

2points

It's Caturday 7 years ago

What struck me is that the girl's ears are pierced, and she's only 5....did she consent to that...

2points

It's Caturday 7 years ago

There has been discussion in my circle about posting pictures of your young child online....what you put on the internet will be there forever. If my silly pre-teen pics ended up on some "awkward family photos" blog or some stupid meme I would NOT be happy

1point

La 7 years ago

None of you know if that is the child and whether or not she was asked permission. You're drawing conclusions and making ignorant statements

0points

Sick Boy 7 years ago

Spot on!

0points

Mardi Solomon 7 years ago

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Ana T. 7 years ago

i a mom and i think this is a good idea. children often are force to do thing that they dont want to do and just because they are children their opinion dont matter

34points

Mardi Solomon 7 years ago

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Jonathan Eatsalot 7 years ago

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Darb 7 years ago

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Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago

I witnessed at a family meeting from my fiancees side how a granddaugther was forced to hug their grandparents and she did everything to wiggle out from their arms asap. If the 5 year old kid sees them twice a year, they are strangers to her, and I am positive she doesn't grasp fully the family relations idea yet. i felt very sorry for her and I am sure that the hugh-high five-hello-handshake option is way better than what I had to see.

30points

Joseph Caliri 7 years ago

This article is a Huge eye opener. I was an abused child, had loving and caring parents, family and siblings. I wonder now had I been given this option how things would have been. I don't dwell on it, I am 43 and know now that I can offer this Choice to my neices and nephews as well as other children. Thank you very much for bringing this important issue to light. Blessings to all, main point no matter what and or how you feel towards article, is that we keep Children Safe!

6points

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Herb Eaversmells 7 years ago

I wonder how she feels about having her image and story plastered all over the internet?

73points

Arty 7 years ago

I suppose there is no need to ask permission for that...

9points

Load More Replies...

Katherine Morgan 7 years ago

There is nothing that says that is her child. It's probably a stock photo, that anyone can use.

3points

Sara Fina 7 years ago

It's a stock photo of a random girl. Just do a google search, people.

2points

Bridgette David 7 years ago

The girl pictured in this photo is not her daughter. It is probably a stock photo.

2points

It's Caturday 7 years ago

What struck me is that the girl's ears are pierced, and she's only 5....did she consent to that...

2points

It's Caturday 7 years ago

1point

La 7 years ago

None of you know if that is the child and whether or not she was asked permission. You're drawing conclusions and making ignorant statements

0points

Sick Boy 7 years ago

Spot on!

0points

Mardi Solomon 7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ana T. 7 years ago

i a mom and i think this is a good idea. children often are force to do thing that they dont want to do and just because they are children their opinion dont matter

34points