Guest Editorial: A new kind of education

Law and order. We constantly hear these words bandied about, particularly in the media but I suspect few have given any thought to what these words actually signify and the real importance of their effect on society.
Law can be defined as those rules that society has put in place to enable society to operate in a manner that maximises the benefits of daily living for all concerned.
Order can be defined as the means by which these rules or laws are protected and enforced.
Law and order cannot be separated, they must work together and interact for society to operate successfully.
Without fail we have daily reports of unacceptable behaviour varying in degrees of seriousness usually accompanied by a wide range of excuses but little focus on the necessary remedies. Unless the position is addressed urgently, society will no longer be able to function in the manner its citizens are entitled to expect and chaos will follow.
What is the remedy?
I can suggest an obvious place to start.
I believe it is the responsibility of all schools from the primary stage right through to university to adequately educate its pupils to take their part in society and contribute to the better operating of society.
These institutions, along with others such as the polytechs, were specifically created to educate those attending but unfortunately the word educate has been interpreted in the narrowest sense. Emphasis has been directed to the "technical" side of learning whether it be in "turning out" doctors, lawyers, teachers, or trade specialists.
In my view all these institutions have a prime responsibility in addition to the technical skills taught to round out the education of their pupils or students.
This involves a study of the real skill ie: to join society in the manner that will enhance not only the individual's position but also contribute positively to society as a whole.
"Attitudes must change" is also a frequently used phrase and of course this is true. While the educating process mentioned above will have some influence there will be a constant need to enforce this change by the imposition of appropriate penalties for any breach.
Without here attempting to cover this very wide and complex topic of appropriate penalties suffice it to say that it is indeed pleasing and a step in the right direction to see several school principals adopting a zero tolerance to unacceptable behaviour by their students.
Government and all teaching organisations must take action urgently to ensure a balanced society evolves and avoid the current gradual but inevitable breakdown in a sustainable way of life for all concerned.
Unacceptable behaviour at all levels must be dealt with and the time for action is now.
Avon Carpenter is a Tauranga resident and started Priority One.