Free The Medicated Child Essay Example

There has been an increasing trend in many societies, especially in the United States of America, to medicate children. Even though some may argue that medication is often useful, there are many other times when it really looks to control the children. In this sense, medication could be seen as a means of control for both the parent and the educational institutions. Nevertheless, it is important to take into account the effects that this may have on the child and the society as a whole.
This has been due to the pathologization of certain developmental factors. Many behaviors that were once seen as normal are now considered deviations from the norm. Nevertheless, this just means that the norm has shifted, including an increasingly large number of children in it.
It is sad to see how, instead of taking other corrective actions, many people go directly to a medical substance. As a future parent, I would like to know if there are any other options available, as I know that medications have horrible side effects sometimes. Furthermore, I am not sure that my child would develop to his or her full potential if they are constantly under the effects of drugs.
Evidently, it would be interesting to first study why more children are being medicated. Furthermore, if there are any other ways to modify children’s behavior, such as through psychology. I find that this could just be a scheme on behalf of the pharmaceutical companies, as it raises their profits. In this sense, thinking from a purely economic point of view, it would be in their interest to take completely normal behavior and say that they have a product that may treat it. Furthermore, it also helps institutions such as the school system by making children more controllable. Nevertheless, the side effects would be bad for the children and society as a whole. By not allowing children to prosper as they should, one may be damaging our whole culture’s future.