Parents' View of Crime at School (From Crime at School: Proceedings of a Seminar Held 2-4 June 1987 in Canberra, P 25-30, 1987, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-110911)

• NCJ Number: 110913
• Author(s): H Szuty
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-110911.

Annotation

Based on a 1982 Australian study of parents of sixth graders, this paper examines parents' views of how crime in schools should be handled.

Abstract

All parents want their children protected within the school environment, but there is disagreement as to how 'good discipline' is achieved. Some parents consider an authoritarian approach repressive and detrimental to the development of responsible behavior. Other parents support an authoritarian regime similar to that under which they were raised. Most parents, however, agree on the need for a clearly defined code of acceptable behavior which should be consistently enforced. Parents generally support a series of steps for addressing student misbehavior so the problem may be remedied without resorting to heavy punishment. Another strategy viewed favorably by parents is the 'time-out' process whereby students who misbehave are separated from others in a 'time-out room' where they contemplate their behavior. An extended 'time-out' process involves more lengthy alternative activities outside the traditional school environment. Parents also support the peer support program that matches mature students to new students to help them develop responsibility and to guide them through various problems. An important strategy for addressing the needs of problem students is the development of a curriculum that can be rewarding for low achievers, including the development of interpersonal and social skills. 4 references.