What kind of punishment would really hit you where it hurts in regards to paying for your child’s bad behavior in school?
British government officials say parents of poorly behaved students are no longer deterred by moves to shame the family name as punishment to get their kids to act properly, so they’ve decided to hit moms and dads where it really hurts—-in their wallets.
According to reports, parents in the United Kingdom – whose kids attend state schools – will now be required to sign a contract that promises their children will behave while at school.
The government’s new “Home School Agreement” includes a “minimum standards of behavior and attendance” section, which all pupils are required to follow. If a student violates the rules his or her parents could face “court action.” In addition, if the child is labeled a “repeat offender” his parents could be fined up to £1,000.
In an interview with the BBC, government officials noted, “Every parent will have to, as part of the admissions process, say they take on board the obligations in the Home School Agreement, and every parent will be expected to reaffirm that every year.”
What’s more, tattle-tales will not be looked down upon, according to officials. School leaders are encouraging parents to report incidents in which the “Home School Agreement” is not being enforced against other parents.
I’m not sure encouraging parents to rat out each other, and thereby pass judgment on another party’s parenting skills, is such a good idea. (Can of worms. Open here.) However, I do agree that parents should be held at least partially responsible for their child’s behavior in school. After all, it is extremely rare that a child would be a perfect angel at home and turn into Damien Thorn once he sets foot in a classroom.
What do you make of the British government’s new “Home School Agreement?” Do you think it will act as an incentive for parents to step up their game when it comes to disciplining their children or do you think it opens a can of worms and could yield horrible results?
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