Offender More Important Than The Offence In Children's Cases

Chronicle (Levin), 13 October 1949, Page 3

Offender More Important Than The Offence In Children's Cases

"In dealing with children's offences you will find that the offender is more important than the offence/' declared Mr« M. A. Nixon, senior tutor in adult education, Victoria University College, in an address to the Shannon Parent-Teacher Association on Monday evening. There was a large attendance pre-» sided over by Mr. E. H. Barber. ,

_ Mr. Nixon said that any variation in the normal behaviour pattern> was of great significance in deahng with children. Truaney, lying and stealing were to be considered as symptoms of trouble rather than as crimes. This did not mean that there was no place fpr a moral code, for training, discipline and, where necessary, punishment, but that all these things must be adapted to the child's needs. . Truaney was a serious matter and could never be disregarded. Where once it had been caused by unhappy school conditions, it was now more likeiy to spring from an unhappy home. Lying could be considered from a number of different angles. Often enough, adults were careless with f acts and a child might be dishonest by imitation without evil intent. There were fantasy lies such as every small child told about imaginary playmates. If this form of lying persisted, and especially if it turned into a boastful form of lying, it might reveal that the child was unhappy, insecure and felt neglected. A child who told spiteful, malicious lies about his playmates was giving a clear picture to an intelligent observer of his own character. . In a similar way we could analyse the reasons for stealing. In some children it was due simply to a low moral standard derived from lack of moral training. This statement would not

| apply, however, to a girl who stole things from home to give to a teacher or playmates in order to gain affection, or to the type of offence known as kleptomania. The way in which the stolen article was treated was a good guide to the motive. A child who stole for greed wOuld use the stolen object herself, the child seeking popularity would give it away and the child with a grudge woula hide or destroy it. In welcoming Mr. Nixon, the chairman " said that he was ah authority on child psychology and the field #covered by adult education. There was a keen discussion of the points raised by Mr. Nixon and he was asked and answered many questions. Enthusiasm was shown for the formation of A group to study child psychology, the matter being left until the beginning of next year. At the conclusion the chairman thanked Mr. Nixon for his interesting and informative address and expressed appreciation of Mr. Nixon's visit to Shannon for. the occasion. He hoped that the association would see much more of Mr. Nixon next year. It was announeed that the next meeting would be 'a screening of films by the Wellington Automobile Association, when the opportunity would be taken to show the j film that was recently taken of I the local sehool's road safety | patrols. i