Social Influences Discussed

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31598, 8 February 1968, Page 1

Social Influences Discussed

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 7.

The full or even major part of the responsibility for education about alcohol, alcoholism, drugs, sex, illegitimacy, venereal disease and similar problems was not accepted by the New Zealand Department of Education, or the schools, said the senior inspector of secondary schools, Mr S. Utting, at the school of alcohol studies at Massey University today.

It was recognised that schools and teachers had some responsibility for such problems, but parents were primarily responsible. Ideally, the influence of parents, by example and precept, and the schools’ teaching, would be mutually supporting, he said. Schools and teachers were encouraged to deal with the problems indirectly—through the social studies syllabus or as part of the general aim of inculcating the high ideals associated with self-discipline, unselfishness and consideration for others.

tent had never been laid down to deal with the subjects directly. Little was known of the effectiveness of social education courses in New Zealand, but it was probable that home, community background, and association with other adolescents were more influential in shaping behaviour than courses held by schools, he said.

This was not an excuse for schools to do nothing, but was a reminder that the schools’ role in social education was limited by circumstances.

Any work that was done was modified by the social climate outside, which was beyond the schools’ control, he said.

Mr Utting said a compulsory minimum of time or con-