The historical purpose of our juvenile justice system was to rehabilitate and redirect juveniles away from crime and unhealthy development towards prosocial and productive decisions and behavior. Unfortunately, as the newest target of the sex offender net, juveniles are now labelled at deviant and perverted monsters for life for actions as small as "playing doctor" consensually with a similar-aged playmate or relative. To be sure, there are instances of serious sexual acting-out, and they must be taken seriously, however, subjecting 8 year-olds to the plethysmograph or requiring them to repeat,

"Hi, my name is ___. I am a pervert and deviant.I am a liar and I will never change; you cannot believe anything that I say. I am a monster."

Does anyone think for a moment that a child who is forced to accept that identity is going to be able to grow up to have healthy mature, appropriate relationships?

It is immediately apparent that approach is inherently counterproductive for little children who were caught "playing doctor" in a harmless natural childhood-curiosity situation. Unfortunately, due to the increased hysteria and severe lack of even basic education about what is and is not appropriate, too many people are too quick to overreact, or in the opposite cases, do not recognize or intervene in situations where it is likewise appropriate to do so.

We must all be ever-mindful that while we are charged with protecting children, constant communication is absolutely key, supervision and direct involvement in their lives are what will help to keep them safe and free from actual abuse.

For a great FREE Abuse Prevention Plan, visit Be a Child's Hero Network and click here for Child Safety Tips.