Harvey

Posted on 10/31/09

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There has never been a study concluding that thumb sucking
spreads harmful bacteria any more than typical touching does
nor is it "common sense" that it would. Note that the most
common form of harmful viral contamination has to do with
sneezing when infected.

I don't believe that the reaction typically seen regarding
public thumb sucking has to, honestly, do with germs or the
occlusion, etc., especially since the hypotheses aren't based
on anything by conjecture, especially when it comes to germs
and their spread.

It's more along the lines of what one learns is appropriate
and physical self soothing renders witnesses uncomfortable
due, from my own observation and theorizing, to its sexual
undertones. But that's as far as I will go in explaining this
idea (note, trust that there's much more to it).

If the other students aren't bothered by it. If there's no
measurable danger to it. If it isn't interfering with the
rights of anyone...what is the problem?

I think the affected student should decide, in these
circumstances, what to do or not to do about their harmless,
quiet habit.

On 10/18/09, Counselor in NJ wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have an 8th grader who sucks her thumb in class. When I
> call her mother to inquire about this situation, she said
> that her daughter sucks her thumb at home but didnt think
> she did this at school. I do not know if this has happened
> in previous years because this has just been brought to my
> attention this year. When I questioned the student about
> the thumb sucking she said it was just a bad habit. I spoke
> to her about this habit and let her know that she could be
> digesting a lot of germs and spreading them as well through
> her saliva. We drew on her thumb to remind her not to suck
> on it. Any other suggestions????

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