No, we are not referring to somewhat harmless schoolboy pranks. We are talking about drug dealing and drug abuse, the drinking of alcoholic beverages, promiscuous behavior​—even fornication—​on school grounds. We are talking about fights, knifings​—including attacks on teachers and principals—​right in school buildings. We are talking about shameless, senseless destruction of costly school property.

Nor is that all. In some classrooms the days are filled with battles between teachers and disrespectful youths. Conscientious teachers try to keep classes going for the benefit of those who want to learn, but rebellious students interrupt, challenge authority and create upheaval. There is a tendency for others to be led along to imitate the lawless ones, so that an entire class can in time turn on the teacher. (In one instance all the students lined up facing the wall and refused to communicate with the teacher.) By the end of the day teachers are frustrated, ill, striving to maintain sanity and self-respect. Thus, opportunity, talent and money​—your money—​are wasted.

What About the Teachers?

That is an understandable question for parents and other concerned adults to ask. Happily, most teachers are still dedicated, responsible people. Why don’t you talk with the ones at your children’s school? If they have these problems, let these teachers know that you do not approve of rebelliousness and interference with their sincere efforts to serve well. In any case, let them know what your standards are for your own family and what you expect of your children in their care. They may thus be encouraged to continue to resist the emotional strain and physical attacks.

Teachers need your encouragement. Consider their frustration when they see that troublemakers are let go with verbal reprimands or a few days’ suspension from classes. One teacher who was interviewed said: “On one occasion I went into the boys’ washroom at school and caught three boys dividing up marijuana into plastic bags. I took them to the office and gave the evidence to the vice-principal. . . . Next day I went to the vice-principal and asked what was done to these students. He said they were sent home for three days.”

Does this affect the attitude of students as to what they think they can get away with? It definitely does! As one juvenile offender said to a psychologist about a felony charge: “Big deal. All they’re going to do is take me to court and lecture me for a few minutes.” Thus some youths hold the whole system of authority and justice in contempt. Their attitudes, in turn, increase the peer pressure. Expelled students use their time off from classes to hang around the school grounds and entice others to wrongdoing. They become heroes!

Other Adverse Conditions

What has been mentioned so far is enough to indicate why children can go to school and still not learn well, whether they are directly involved in the misbehavior or not. For so many, school is just a meeting place for drink, drugs and sex. But there are other situations that can stand in the way of your children’s getting a better education.

Sad to say, some teachers are known by their students to be drug users and persons who lead a promiscuous life. That does little to inspire young students in the right direction. Consider the influence on a 16-year-old pupil when a teacher in her 20’s sits on his desk and asks: “How come you haven’t been by to see me like the other boys in this class?” More frequent, perhaps, is the “hassle” some female students report they suffer from male teachers who make advances as they assure passing grades to the girls.

Then there are those few teachers who seem to feel that they are on some sort of “special mission” to acquaint the young with “other life-styles.” They may invite prostitutes and homosexuals to school to talk to students about their way of life. Or they may insist on students’ reading or viewing pornography as necessary to a person’s education. In some Canadian schools it is termed “required reading.” If those promoting such reading are asked about it, they will assure the inquirer that no one is forced to read such books. But is that so?

One girl in Ontario a few years ago refused to read a novel that highlights the experiences of a youth introduced to various forms of sexual perversion by a prostitute. The student’s father backed her decision. But her teacher insisted the girl had to read the book​—and the principal agreed with the teacher! Finally there was a compromise: The girl was now required to read two other books of her own choice. Actually she was penalized for having an opinion and a conscience!

Next, to see for yourself what things are like at school, make a visit there. Spend a few hours or a day, if you can. Teachers won’t mind. In fact, most will welcome it. If there is a meeting soon where parents and teachers can talk, attend it. In both instances really talk with the teachers to see what things are like with your children. Listen when the teacher talks to you. Don’t form opinions too soon. Communicate intelligently as to what you want for your children. If you have religious, cultural or ethnic concerns, make them known. Most teachers are quite tolerant these days, but they can’t guess about these matters. For example, they might conclude that your child’s reluctance to engage in some school program or exercise is merely a childish whim.

Each year a visit to the new teachers of your children affords the opportunity to assure these teachers as to your expectations about your children’s education. This also gives time for examining textbooks and discussing what your preferences are there. This will help the teacher and your young ones.

So, while you are not going to visit with the idea of getting involved in a confrontation, or with ideas of altering the entire system of education, there is much you can do to assure that your children are benefited by going to school. Just paying your taxes is not enough. Neither can any teacher substitute for caring parents. Most of what your children need for a better education is available. But what is needed most in the program is YOU.