In this episode, Niall asks a provocative question: Is shouting at your children a form of child abuse?The debate was sparked by a top psychologist who claimed that shouting at children — or even arguing loudly in front of them — can be just as damaging as physically slapping them. The expert warned that such behaviour can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects, and even suggested it should be legally recognised as harmful.Is this an overreaction? Or are we only beginning to understand the impact of verbal and emotional discipline?Some callers strongly agreed, arguing that constant shouting creates fear, anxiety, and insecurity in children. They believe emotional abuse is often overlooked simply because it doesn’t leave bruises, and that parenting should focus on calm, respectful communication.Others said the idea goes too far. Parenting is chaotic, stressful, and imperfect — and sometimes raising your voice is the only way to get a message across. One caller asked: “If we ban shouting, are we also banning being human?”Others took a middle ground, saying occasional shouting doesn’t equal abuse, but that consistent yelling, insults, or aggressive behaviour can cross the line into real harm.As Niall points out, this is about more than parenting styles — it’s about defining where discipline ends and damage begins.
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1:24:39
#417 College Debt: Should Kids Repay Their Parents?
In this episode, Niall asks: Should children repay their parents for college fees?A mother wrote to the show after a heated disagreement with her husband. Their 26-year-old daughter, now working in a well-paid legal job, had her college fees fully covered by her parents. The mother believes it’s only fair that she repays them now, but the father insists that supporting your child through education is part of parenting — not a loan with strings attached.The conversation opened the lines to passionate callers. Some argued that repayment shows respect and gratitude, especially if parents made financial sacrifices. Others said it’s wrong to treat family support like a business transaction, and that the cost of education is something parents take on willingly.Some took a middle-ground view — suggesting repayment depends on family circumstances. If the parents are struggling, a payback plan might be reasonable. But if the family is financially stable, perhaps the support should be seen as a gift.As Niall points out, this debate isn’t just about money — it touches on values, responsibility, and the evolving expectations between parents and adult children.
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1:22:50
#416 Sun’s Out, Fun's Out: Portugal Telling Tourists To Cover Up
In this episode, Niall asks: Are Portugal’s new dress rules for tourists over the top?As Portugal and other tourist hotspots crack down on visitors walking around in bikinis or bare-chested away from the beach, hefty fines are being introduced to curb what locals see as disrespectful behaviour.Some callers argued the rules are too strict, saying tourists just want to relax and enjoy their holidays. If it’s near the beach and not offensive, they said locals should be more understanding, especially in areas that rely on tourism.Others supported the new measures, saying tourists often forget they are guests in someone else's community. They believe beachwear belongs on the beach, and showing respect while abroad is basic decency.As Niall points out, this isn’t just a debate about clothing. It’s about whether tourism should adapt to local cultures or expect them to adapt in return.
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1:32:11
#415 Deporting Children: Do You Feel Sorry for Them?
In this episode, Niall asks: Deporting Children — Do You Feel Sorry for Them?Last week, 35 people were deported from Ireland, including five children. The opposition is now calling for an amnesty on child deportations, urging the government to show empathy. But does sympathy for children override the rules of immigration?Some callers argued that children should never be punished for the decisions of adults. Many of these kids have grown up in Ireland, attend local schools, and know no other home. Deporting them, they say, is cruel and unnecessary — and the government should show compassion.Others felt the law must be applied equally, regardless of age. They pointed out that deportations are carried out when legal avenues are exhausted, and making exceptions undermines the system. If parents knowingly stay illegally, the responsibility lies with them — not the State.As Niall points out, the question isn’t just about legality — it’s about what kind of country we want to be when it comes to vulnerable children caught in adult decisions.
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1:40:54
#414 Should Doctors Have the Right to Conscientiously Object?
In this episode, Niall asks: Should doctors have the right to conscientiously object to any procedure approved by the medical council — including abortion, assisted dying, or vaccines? The question raises serious debate about the balance between medical ethics, personal morality, and patient rights.Some callers argued in favour of conscientious objection. They said doctors are not machines, and if a procedure clashes with their deeply held moral or ethical beliefs, they should not be forced to perform it. For them, protecting a doctor's conscience is essential to preserving integrity in healthcare.Others disagreed, saying personal beliefs have no place in patient care. They argued that doctors are trained and licensed to provide services deemed safe and legal. If they can’t do that, they should reconsider their role in the profession. Patients, they said, should never face delays or judgement because of someone else's views.Niall reflected that while the right to conscience is important, so too is the trust patients place in the system. Striking a balance between personal belief and professional responsibility remains one of the most difficult questions in modern medicine.
About The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)
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