Reasons, Correctives For Child Delinquency

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1943, Page 5

Reasons, Correctives For Child Delinquency

(Special)

AUCKLAND, Wednesday

Remedies for child delinquency were suggested in the report of a special committee to the ' Education Board today. The committee expressed the opinion that the method of dealing with delinquents at children’s courts was too lenient and recommended that a teacher approved by the board should be appointed as an associate on the children’s court. The committee attributed the increase in delinquency to lack of parental control, war conditions causing the absence of fathers and mothers at work, allowing children too much pocket money and pernicious literature of a salacious and gangster type. Corrective measures suggested were: (1) Screening of only suitable pictures at children’s sessions; (2) introduction of compulsory saving to counteract high wages paid to youths; (3) appointment of fulltime attendance officers for schools and a recommendation to the Minister for Education that such officers be granted the powers of special constables. Unsuitable Broadcasts (4) Government action regarding the unsuitability for children of many broadcast programmes. (5) Introduction of legislation making it unlawful to sell contraceptives to children. (6) Establishment of suitable playing areas in congested areas and (7) establishment of continuation courses up to at least 18 years of age. The board decided to send copies of the report to the Prime Minister and Minister for Education.