Sunday, March 21, 2004
Don't you dare prepare kids for life
It just doesn't stop. First Robin Judkin's considers pulling the pin on one of our great sporting events, the "Coast to Coast" due to an event organiser getting hammered for not ensuring the safety of competitors. Now school principles are opting out of school camps due to new legislation;
Anxious principals are banning school camps in the fallout from new laws which make them liable for student and staff injuries or deaths on trips.Where does this bubble wrap mentality stop?
Principals and trustees face fines of up to $500,000 or two years' jail under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
There have been deaths on school trips in the recent past, and that is tragic and horrendous for all affected. Like any avoidable death, it is a waste and if at all possible, must be avoided. But if there was any criminal negligence, could that not be covered by existing statute?
My issue is with the tunnel vision of these well intentioned law makers. Sure a kid is less likely to drown in the school pool, and that is where their job ends - good result for them. But that kid is sure as hell not likely to experience their first risk and learn the lesson of judgement or overcome fear or inhabition - the sort of thing that happens at camp. They are not likely to steal their first kiss either.
Eliminate what maketh the man and what do you get? Just wait ten years and you'll see.
