The Medicalizing Of Education
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The Medicalization of Education
Summary
Nowadays, it seems everyone relies on medication for something?"be it high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression. While these medications are vital for many, there's been a noticeable shift over the past 20 years as more school-aged children, sometimes even preschoolers, are being prescribed psychotropic drugs. This trend raises concerns about the medicalization of education.
The Rise of Medication in Schools
Historically, children have required medication for certain illnesses. However, the use of psychotropic drugs in schools has increased significantly over the last two decades. I recall an incident 15 years ago as a vice-principal when discussing a student with a doctor. He corrected my terminology from hyperactivity to ADHD, suggesting medication as a necessary intervention for impulse control issues.
In my view, this shift reflects a societal tendency to seek quick fixes for behavioral issues rather than addressing them through discipline and accountability. Poor parenting and a lack of traditional discipline are often overlooked in favor of medication as a solution.
Societal Shifts and Behavioral Expectations
Today’s society has become more tolerant of deviance, impacting education by lowering expectations for student behavior and achievement. Previously, flag-burning was illegal, with harsh consequences for offenders. However, when many engaged in the act, society’s response changed?"either by constructing more prisons or legalizing the action. Similarly, as more students display disrespectful or irresponsible behavior, conditions like ADHD become convenient explanations rather than holding individuals accountable.
ADHD and Its Implications
In 1987, the American Psychiatric Association classified ADHD as a mental illness. Behaviors like inattention and difficulty following directions are now seen as symptoms. Previously, these might have been labeled as unruly behavior. This shift has relieved some parents and educators, who now attribute disrespectful behavior to a medical condition needing treatment instead of responsibility and self-control.
The Role of Medication
While medications have undeniably improved countless lives, this trend in education is concerning. For instance, many attribute a child’s out-of-control behavior to missed medication doses. Such reasoning diminishes personal accountability. Just as I am responsible for my health alongside my medication, students should be accountable for their behavior.
A Parent and Educator Perspective
Many parents today view mental illness diagnoses as a relief. Diagnosing a child with a mental illness shifts the perceived blame from parenting to biology. Some even believe children with such diagnoses are smarter or more creative. This belief absolves parents and educators from considering whether their strategies contributed to the behavior.
The Need for a Shift in Perspective
Medicalizing education sends a misguided message by suggesting poor academic performance or self-control issues can simply be medicated away. Instead, we need to emphasize respect, responsibility, and emotional maturity.
In conclusion, fostering accountability and providing real consequences for behavior can offer lasting solutions rather than temporary relief.
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