Do you think that 12 year old children are psychologically damaged when parents send them to college?

Question

Does it harm children to be sent to college at a very young age by their parents?

Here is a link that discusses a 12 year old going to college:

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/NEWS01/709020313

While searching for this link, I also read about an 11 year old in college.

Answer 1

Yes. I think it harms children. I had a professor at a large university with his 11 yr old son taking the course. He was a smart boy, but he did not belong there. Most child prodigies who attend college have social problems later on. I think they should take advanced high school courses or be home schooled by college correspondence.

Oftentimes, these children are used as trophy children by their parents. Most are boys. An analogy can be made with parents entering little girls in beauty contests. Remember Jon Benet Ramsey?

Answer 2

I don't know of any 12 yr olds that are in college, but I think it is possible to be psychologically damaging. Honestly, it would depend on the person because even if they were super intelligent, their body would not be as advanced. So it is possible that being around people who are in college, that it would have an affect on how the child viewed their own body. Just because you're great at math and science, doesn't mean that you are great at coping with the world around you. I would think they'd be a little better at coping than the average 12 yr old and maybe even better than some of the college students, but still, it could be considerably overwhelming. College is even overwhelming for me sometimes! Plus growing up is scary anyway, and to be expected to advance... Pressured... I doubt there would be anyone for them to relate to because there probably wouldn't be anyone their age in class with them. It would be scary!!!

Yes, it would have to be damaging!

Answer 3

Although the chronological age of the child is 12 years old and he is sent to college means that child can cope with the academic achievement of 16 years old.

This can be assessed by his readiness, his interest in certain fields of study and his goals in life. He needs to be prepared for this. Psychological back drop is observed in those students who are at their early years of studies showed that there are achievers. If for example during his college years he faced such fall whether in tests or grades then that will cause him a great impact. This can affect greatly his studies.

We need to test his IQ, and give him psychological test regarding this matter. A strong support from his community= family, friends and classmates are needed here.

Answer 4

I don't think that 12 years old children are psychologically damaged when parents send them to college.

As a matter of fact, I find that 12 years old children are already psychologically damaged when parents send them to middle school. You cannot imagine how mean and cruel other 12 years old are. At least in college, the other students are not going to be cruel or mean.

Answer 5

Ah, one has to love these type of pigeonholed questions. The negative or positive result of sending someone uncommonly young to an environment where others seeking the same goal may be older, is subjective to the character of the individual in that environment. The proper question is whether or not those who choose to answer it believe they themselves would be psychologically damaged by such an experience.

Beyond the necessity of competence, all that 12 year old should need is discretion. I would rather base boundaries of scholarly pursuits on intellect than interaction.

Answer 6

Well, it depends on what they do when they get to college.

Just the event of going to college won't do any damage, but if your 12 year old joins a frat, gets toasty at a party, pukes on the dean's new oxford, and gets beat up by jocks, then yes, that could cause some psychological damage.

Answer 7

My only concern would be that he/she would be overly protected, and unable to socialize. (and I not referring to socialize the way some here have described)
I am sure that any 12 year old that was attending college, would be in contact with people, who are trained in psychology, and would see any potential problems, and would know the best way of dealing with them.
So the answer to you question is No.

Answer 8

Probably. I don't personally believe in sending a child to college at 12. They have barely hit adolescence. I think that a child should have the time to be a child and progress normally- experience the sentimental events that give them pleasant memories later on.

Answer 9

It could, possibly. It depends on the individual child and their mental age. I mean, does this 12 year old still act like a kid? rely on their parents for support and help?

Answer 10

If a 12 year old can get into college, they are probably advanced for their age. So I think they will be fine.