Editorial: Dangers charging parents over kids

I like to think of myself as a good parent.

I'm not perfect but each day I strive to do my best and live up to expectations.

I take my role seriously. I put myself second.

Being a parent is about being a leader, good role model and trying to raising children to be good people and live a fulfilling life.

But the sad reality is many parents struggle - and others are plain bad.

There have been countless examples in this country of child abuse, neglect and parents who put themselves first.

Their children don't stand a chance and it is no surprise so many go off the rails and end up committing a crime.

A recent, horrific example, is the 16-year-old who beat and raped a 5-year-old girl in Turangi. He was brought up in a gang family, physically abused, suicidal, using alcohol and drugs - and now sentenced to 10 years in prison.

I believe in taking a hard line on criminals. I was sickened by this case and the fact he was a teenager or raised in a gang environment didn't surprise me.

He should spend a long time in jail and we, as a country, should be asking ourselves how do we ensure he never does this again?

But what about his parents. Should they be charged too?

It is an interesting question, one raised by Patrick Walsh, high-profile Secondary Schools Principals Association president and Bay of Plenty principal. He wants parents to face criminal charges if their children break the law.

His tough stance follows publication of figures showing children as young as 7 have been kicked out of schools for bringing drugs and alcohol to class.

He has a point. Shouldn't parents of children who commit crimes face the consequences too?

Parenting is a serious responsibility and such a move might force many bad parents to think about what they're doing.

I support the concept in principle but the idea is fraught with difficulties.

If a parent has contributed to their children doing wrong, then there is a strong argument they should be held responsible too.

But, as often is the case, detail may prove a problem.

How would such a move be structured and legislated? Would parents be liable for the same penalty as the crime their child committed merits? Or would they be subject to a different penalty?

And what about good parents whose children have turned bad through no fault of their own?

There will be countless examples of this.

Mr Walsh's idea is too simplistic. I would need to see more detail of how it might work to be convinced it could work.