The War Against our Children

Late this week two major events were announced in the media concerning the Brumby Labor Government. These two major Victorian decisions will have implications for us all.

First, the Victorian Parliament voted through controversial legislation which will allow singles and lesbians access to IVF and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Second, the Brumby Government has announced a crackdown on youth violence, disrespect and hooliganism. The two stories are in fact closely related.

The call to instil good values, responsibility and respect in our students is to be welcomed. Most parents are concerned about the increase in violence, loutish behaviour, disrespect and drunkenness. But ideally the teaching and modelling of such values and behaviours should first begin in the home.

If it is learned at home, then it can be supported and complemented by the schools. Parents should be the first port of call for such character training and development. And the research tells us…