![]() “The repressive system is centred more on the goal to be achieved. It looks at the young person as if it is looking at the future adult who, as a consequence, should be treated like an adult from the early years. The end results are […] severe and demanding domestic patterns, schools with a stricter regime of discipline, relationships and measures loaded with responsibility, military-style academies and the like.” (P. Braido, PNR, 7-8) Examples: - Parents who control their children by fear and threat of punishment. - Authorities who maintain strict reserve and distance from their subordinates. - Teachers who use the cane to get children to obey. Don Bosco was clearly against the repressive methods used to control juvenile delinquents during his time. He was also aware that some of his Salesians had difficulty in educating some students and were eager to know what his opinion on the use of punishments was. He responded to their requests in a circular letter addressed to the Directors of various Salesian schools in January, 1883. One can clearly see the heart of a father who is eager that young people "benefit rather than suffer when they are the objects of disciplinary action." He insists that his Way continue to be used because "we are making it clear that there is no place for coercive measures when dealing with children. Rather, we are committed to educating them by means of kindly persuasion." (Cf. Don Bosco's Circular Letter, January, 1883, in M. Ribotta, JSS, VI/1, 1995, pp. 96-108.) Image: English School Seal, 1552, http://www.learnnc.org/lp/multimedia/6849 Next: PREVENTION >> ---------------------------------- Further Study: - Download the entire letter or jump to the section on Rules, Corrections and Punishments) - UNICEF report 2006 on abuse and violence against children - Universal prohibition of corporal punishment - Video: Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall - Research and expert opinion on effects and dangers of maltreatment of children in education and parenting |
DON BOSCO'S WAY >