“Bored teen-agers”
Sir, — We read that New Zealand has a horde of bored teen-agers, proving the proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This is a major effect of the demand by society for academic prowess in its schools and universities. Society made a god of classroom education and got what it prayed for. Outside activities such as sport and clubs were sacrificed while the Education Department and its work force concentrated on the classroom, in the vain hope that the community would organise leisure instead — which it obviously has not. Simultaneously, the philosophy that even primary school youngsters should be allowed to do their own thing discouraged any form of authority, including compulsory sport. This permissiveness may
have been a beautiful theory; but, like most beautiful theories, there was only one thing wrong with it — it did not work. — Yours, etc., V. F. WILKINSON. October 16, 1976.
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Press, 18 October 1976, Page 18
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152“Bored teen-agers” Press, 18 October 1976, Page 18
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