This sounds like a body autonomy problem to me. "kids don't know so I should force them, so they can decide if they're comfortable with it after having had the experience". That's not something I want for my kid. I don't want to foster the idea that they have to do something just because an adult (even a trusted adult) says so.

I would much rather offer them the chance to do something and respect their choices. I'm reminded of that viral video where the kid is obviously terrified of a water park ride where you get shot out of a tube, and the parents don't take it seriously/make him go on the ride. That's not what's happening in the comic, but just because we view something as harmless doesn't mean that a kid has that same view. It doesn't have to be scary, it can just be boring or uncomfortable.

I have found that my kid is way more willing to try things if given the option with the knowledge that his decision has weight.