I don't think I misrepresent Dawkins: it is why I said "tantamount to fanatical" rather than "fanatical". But I'm happy for everyone to make up their own mind based on what he says and writes (which does involve reading it and thinking about it!)

As for "damaging children": in this context that is a value judgement. I don't deny the possibility of mental cruelty but encouraging mental laziness is more common, and I've experienced that more in other subjects, personally.