The Injustice of Handcuffing Young Children: A Call for Change:

In a world where young children are handcuffed and taken for psychiatric evaluation for having a tantrum, we must ask ourselves: what have we come to? A temper tantrum is not a valid reason to handcuff a child, and this practice is utterly unacceptable. Are we to believe that adults cannot manage a five-year-old child's outburst without resorting to handcuffs, treating them as if they were criminals? Tantrums are a common occurrence in children and even adults. When did it become permissible to subject a child to such severe measures? Handcuffing a child can cause psychological trauma. Children do not comprehend the concept of being handcuffed, and the act itself can be deeply distressing.

By the time a child is taken for evaluation for throwing a tantrum, they might also need to be assessed for the trauma of being handcuffed and taken against their will. While some children can be disruptive, there are traditional and more appropriate methods for calming a disruptive child. Young children are not bigger or stronger than the adults tasked with restraining them. A five-year-old is a small child, and any adult who cannot manage a child that young without handcuffs should reconsider their suitability for such work. If those in authority must resort to such extreme measures to control a child, how can they be trusted to protect others as their job requires? 

These individuals should undergo retraining to align with the standard operating procedures of their profession. Talk to the child like the human beings they are. Don't just scold them assuming the child is just bad, or acting out for no particular reason. Ask questions, and listen intently. Proper training should focus on non-violent, compassionate approaches to handling children's tantrums. The aim should always be to protect and support children, not to traumatize them.

In conclusion, the practice of handcuffing young children for tantrums is a gross injustice. It is imperative that we advocate for more humane and effective methods of managing children's behavior, ensuring their safety and well-being above all else.