Indoctrination or education? You be the judge

#1159 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 29 November 2015

The Safe Schools Coalition has launched a resource for 12-13 year olds, in which teachers invite students to imagine themselves in the role of a 16-year-old “going out with someone they are really into” (p. 20).

Half the class is to imagine their partner is of the opposite sex, the other half the same sex. They are asked ten questions, and can answer only ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

The questions include: “Do you see other couples like yours when you are heading home from school?”; “When you go out with a group of friends to the movies, would you feel comfortable giving your partner a kiss or hug?”; and “If you were in a sports team, would you confidently tell your teammates about your sexuality?”

When they’re finished, the students are required to disclose how many times they said “yes,” and explain their answers.

The program is meant to address school bullying. But is it education, or indoctrination? You be the judge.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.