Behaviour Standards
by Sheila Grant
Over thirty years ago I was fortunate to be Akela in a Cub Scout Pack. It was a popular pack and I enjoyed a good relationship with the boys. Gradually the numbers increased until there were 62 members. Strictly not permitted but I found it impossible to turn away keen little lads when they turned up eyes shining with enthusiasm. Since my three assistant leaders were all university students with study commitments there were occasional evenings when I was in the hall alone with over 50 boys.
I am not and never was a tyrant but discipline was never a problem. The boys were keen to play the games, do the badge work and other activities. When the noise increased to a level that I could not be heard they responded immediately to my standing still saluting. Gradually the hall would fall silent as they waited for their next instruction. A whistle was part of my uniform kit but I rarely needed to use it to get attention.
One lad tended to be cheeky and disruptive and generally too smart. One night when I was on my own his behaviour was out of order and I banished him to stand outside the Scout hut where he spent the remainder of the time running sticks along the wooden walls. When his mother arrived to collect him and asked the reason for his banishment, I told her. She never questioned me and he never misbehaved again.
Nowadays a single adult would never be allowed alone with all these youngsters. Child Protection would have a seizure at the very idea.
Conversely would any adult want to be left alone with such a number of children? How would they control the behaviour?
It will never happen as there are so many rules and regulations surrounding children`s activities and the leaders who are in charge that even entering a room with youngsters is a risk.
What has changed? Are adults less capable now?
Not at all.
Children are not disciplined properly at home. They are not being taught the simple rules of right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
A primary one teacher tells me they are sent to her to train. One child was so badly behaved after three days at school she complained to the father.
“He`s just getting your measure,” the man assured her as if it was an admirable trait in his son.
There were 44 children in my primary school class and the few who were disruptive were dealt with summarily or taken to the head teacher. I remember very few occasions when any child stepped out of line. If, as a child you were displined at school you were always afraid your parents would find out. If they did you could be sure you would be punished yet again.
Adults were in charge and in control and we respected them for it.