Principal's Words Strike Blow For Commonsense

Monday 24 Nov 2003
Dr Muriel Newman
Press Releases -- Other

ACT New Zealand Northland-based MP Dr Muriel Newman today congratulated Hibiscus Coast Intermediate School Principal Carl Becker for speaking out about naughty children.

"Mr Becker has thrown political correctness to the wind by stating the obvious - that most naughty children need clear behavioural guidelines and firm parenting, rather than behavioural disorder diagnosis and medication," Dr Newman said.

"While Mr Becker would be the first to admit that a small minority of children are, undoubtedly, in need of medical help, the greater need for most naughty children is to be taught how to behave.

"With a strong value system which teaches right from wrong, obedience, respect, kindness and reward possibility, children are well-equipped to cope with whatever difficulties life throws at them. Without such values many will falter.

`Mr Becker is promoting a commonsense approach by not only encouraging parents to invest in their children - rewarding good behaviour and delivering consequences for bad - but also reinforcing it with a character education programme at school.

"His words should be heralded as a strike for commonsense and freedom, in the face of a society which is increasingly hidebound by political correctness," Dr Newman said

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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