Appalling lack of resources to help violent kids

15 August 2015

A new survey has revealed a lack of resources to help growing numbers of violent children entering Northland schools, but the problem is not exclusive to the far north.

NZEI Te Riu Roa President Louise Green said many areas and school communities were experiencing increasing anger and violence issues with even very young children, because of the horrors they had already witnessed and experienced at home.

"With the proper professional support, we can help these children, but the money and assistance is not forthcoming. Instead, they are a danger to themselves, their classmates and their teachers and we are losing the opportunity to help these kids before the damage is irreversible," she said.

"The money can be found if there is political will for it - $129,000 to help the failing Whangaruru charter school was found easily enough, even after huge amounts of taxpayer funding had already been poured into the school.

"These hurting little children should be our priority. They need professionals working with them and their families and their schools, otherwise the tragic outcomes for their lives are all too predictable."

ENDS

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