Member

One problem we face is a cultural assault on discipline, per se. Those who advocate discipline in schools can be described as authoritarian or as enjoying meting out cruel punishments on pupils, and can be accused of bullying children. The term is used regularly by those who argue for discipline in schools. Even as I say “discipline”, I feel a frisson, with people thinking that I mean get out the stick. I simply mean adult authority. The truth is that adult authority is under attack in many ways. That is why it is so important that we have Amendment 502YV, on the presumption against the reinstatement of children engaging in extremely serious behaviour, and Amendment 502YYA, on the right to exclude. Teachers need to have those tools in their educational toolbox. It is only fair on pupils that they know there are lines that they cannot cross. Adult authority in schools is in crisis and we should do everything we can to bolster it, not undermine it.