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The most important thing to remember in this debate is that ultimately we are trying to ensure the safety of all of the children who attend schools. I believe that not only should we ban peanuts and other nut products in schools we should also ensure this ban be implemented in offices and other workspaces.

The threat of allergic reaction caused by exposure to nuts is very much under-rated and misunderstood by the general public. As a result, the best defence is teaching people about the dangers of having nuts in schools and other public spaces. To help with the education process the following contentious issues will be countered with answers that may provide incentive for people to change their opinions on this issue.

1. I have the right to send my child to school with peanut butter sandwiches; it doesn't hurt anybody.

It may be true that you have the right to send your child to school with a peanut butter sandwich, but does this mean that you will take full responsibility for the child who has an allergic reaction as the result of this action?

Rights and responsibilities go hand-in-hand and it is ultimately important to ensure that you realize the potential impact of your decisions. Consider how you would feel if a child became seriously ill or died as the result of you sending a peanut butter sandwich to school with your son or daughter. Then consider how you would feel if your child was the child who fell ill because another parent sent a peanut butter sandwich to school.

Also, considering the litigious nature of today's society and realize that you may be held accountable for medical costs and even for the wrongful death of a child.

2. It is the child's responsibility to stay away from foods that have nuts if he/she has an allergy.

It may be the child's responsibility to know to stay away from foods but how would he/she know that there was nut oil residue on the surface of his/her desk.

Consider that some children are too young to understand the dangers; does this mean that the child should be made to be sick or end up dying as a result of exposure?

3. Parents should put their children in a home schooling program.

All children have the right to go to school with their peers. Would you want others to prevent your child from going to school because of a life-threatening medical condition?

We are trying to ensure safety of all children in the school environment. The important thing is to continue to debate this until the proper laws are in place to protect the children and prevent more deaths from nut allergies occurring in our schools.

Learn more about this author, Aubrey Little.
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