Ludicrous that teens can get jab without parents’ permission

I AM all for vaccination and very critical of anti-vaxxers. And I am not a prude nor a conservative rightwing zealot.

But it is ludicrous that children between 12 and 17 can, without permission, let alone discussion with their parents, be vaccinated against Covid 19.

But what is going to happen if – and God forbid, for an unlikely reason – something goes wrong with the “child?”

Where would the advocates of “children” not consulting their parents about such a critical health matter be? Parents would be left with the problem.

This issue is so obnoxious and just robs parents of the responsibility to care for their children. Also what is really a “child?”

Under what circumstances as parents are we supposed to be responsible for them and when are they “independent” enough to make decisions on such critical matters as their health?

I do not also subscribe to the inane view that we have “too much democracy” but we are just going too far.

We are robbing parents of the responsibility that they have towards their children. According to the Children’s Act 28 of 2005, these “children” between 12 and 17 are quite capable of taking decisions on their health without parental involvement.

The proviso is that they should be “sufficiently mature” to make such decisions. But if they are “sufficiently mature” to make decisions, why are they still considered “children” and we parents under certain circumstances have to take responsibility for their actions?

Such strictures just encourage non-respect of children for their parents.

For, if my 13-year-old is not legally obliged to me in some matters what can stop them from asking me what “right” do you have to tell me that I cannot drink alcohol as I am mature enough to make decisions about my health?

For heaven’s sake, let us protect the rights of children but also think about our rights as parents.

DR THABISI HOEANE | Pretoria