We live in an overreacting world, and this example shows the downward direction we seem to be heading. An 8 year old was kicked out of school for 3 days because he drew on his shirt with a marker and sniffed it.
The school principal wanted to send a message about substance abuse... To 8 year olds?
Interestingly, MSNBC interviewed experts who suggested that there is no possible way to become inebriated by sniffing a marker. A toxicologist, Dr. Eric Lavonas, noted, ""If you went to Costco and bought 50 bags of Sharpies and did something to them, maybe there's a way to get creative and make it happen."
Overreaction
8 Year Old Suspended 3 Days for Sniffing Marker
Trend Themes
1. Overreaction to Youth Behavior - The trend of overreacting to minor behavior in youth could create opportunities for disruptive innovations in child psychology, education, and parenting.
2. Excessive Substance Abuse Prevention - Exaggerated attempts at preventing substance abuse in children may generate an opportunity for innovation in creating realistic and effective drug education programs.
3. Misperception of Substance Abuse Sources - The misperception of sources of substance abuse in youth may generate disruptive innovation in both substance prevention and mental health industry.
Industry Implications
1. Child Psychology - Emerging innovations in child psychology have the potential to improve the way schools handle children's misbehavior.
2. Education - Innovative drug education approaches in schools can provide a more realistic way of handling substance abuse and increase student safety.
3. Mental Health - Innovative mental health practices can offer more effective ways of dealing with substance abuse issues and promoting healthy behavior.