Ident-a-kid Wanting DNA for Grade School Kids

I would not do it. What would the purpose be? If something, God forbid, happened to my baby. How would this sample help? TO prove she was my baby? Couldn't we then just take a sample from me or her Dad? What if Mom keeps a DNA sample at home. Hair clipping, nail clipping, mouth swab? I would never put my babies DNA on any public record. It is still too early to have that information given out freely. Good luck!

Whoa! What major paranoia going on here! This isn't big brother here to invade your every move. It's no different than having your child finger printed--remember that? We did it back in the early 80's at my grade school and almost all the parents consented for it. This is just the "high-tech" version of that.

If it bothers your friend and makes her uncomfortable, I'm certain she can opt out of such a program. I highly doubt that the school is forcing her do this. It's simply an option, that's all.

I personally would be HAPPY and willing to supply a DNA sample of my daughter. I work in the criminal justice field, so you have to know my mind goes crazy with all the scary possibilities that can happen. DNA is the only thing that stays consistant to ONE person for life. Looks can be changed. Fingerprints are expected to grow a bit and aren't always left behind (there has to be oil on your fingertips to leave prints). But think about it: We lose TONS of hair a day. We drink and eat everyday. Everyday we leave some of our DNA behind. If the child is ever abducted or lost, at least a sample left behind can be ran and compared with the DNA on file. And, Lord grant that this is never the outcome, if a body is beyond recognition (burned, badly decayed, etc), DNA could AT LEAST give the family knowledge that they shouldn't expect this member back home. It's a small bit of closure, but it's more than what a family would have before the DNA test results. Like I said, I would gladly give a sample from my daughter. Better to be safe than sorry.

I am sure it is being asked for somewhat legitimate reasons, BUT there is no way I would give anyone my kids DNA to keep on file. If we ever needed it, it wouldbeeasy to obtain from a hair sample from her hairbrush. Just my 2 cents.

No way would I give my childrens DNA out to the school. You never know what the future is going to bring. I do not see any benifit in giving out childrens DNA to the school. If they insit I would tell them I was contacting an attorney. That has to have some legal aspect's to it.

Hi M.,

I totally agree with the previous poster. I see no benefit in giving DNA samples of your child to anyone. I agree, keep something with DNA material at home if your that concerned but I don't think they have any need for it. Call me paranoid but I can totally see that sample being put in some government database somewhere and being available to use for OR against your child for the rest of his/her life. Wouldn't do it!

I would not want my daughter's DNA on file anywhere. Technology is always changing, and even if right now they would not or could save my daughter's DNA in places that I would not consent to, I would not do it. Who knows how the technology and laws will change and I would like to ensure that my daughter has as much privacy as she can when she grows up. There may be a time when we do have the technology to save samples of everyone's DNA and I would rather my daughter make that choice for herself when she is older. Besides, I do not really see any reason why anyone would need it. I am sure they have good intentions, however, personally I think it is unnecessary. That being said, if another parent thinks it is a good idea and wants their childs DNA on file for identification purposes, I think it is great that they do have that option.

Hi M.,
Like others have said, I am sure your friend has the "opt out" option. That being said, it really does sound like just th high tech version of finger printing. I think the Big brother ideas are a little out of hand. Of course the choice is your friend's, but I am sure they would be happy to provide her additional info. Ident-A-Kid is not out there to use against kids...
E.

That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard thus far from schools. Dna, please they have enough information. A picture should be sufficient. I am sure they will have plenty of parents in an uproar about that one. I would not do it, and let someone question me about it....By the way what school district is that. I would love to know. To make sure I do not move within miles of it. I would like to add,if in fact something does go wrong heaven forbid, the FBI would be collecting hair samples not the school!!!!!

I don't want to even have my child finger printed let alone have him give a DNA sample! No way. Call me paranoid if you want, maybe I am. I don't trust how either one of those could be used in the future.