I would be *very* scared if I was that kid's parents, because violent murder of animals (usually pets, because they're the most readily accessible) is a *very* common factor in the childhood of serial killers and other related violent sociopaths.
Shit - also meant to add that education programs in being humane are unlikely to stop the sorts of kids whose brains are wired this way from doing what they're doing. Not saying it's not a good idea - sounds great to me - but in this specific case it's hard to say if it would have helped.
Except for the research that suggests a lower rate of bullying and violence in children who have been through humane education programs. And the opportunity for identifying psychopaths in the making and giving appropriate intervention.
HE is more than "don't throw rocks at the dog" and "buy free range chicken", it is about respect for self, other people, other animals and the environment and promotes the values of kindness, compassion etc. Alot of it is focused on animals/children in domestic violence situations, SPCA Auckland do a very awesome school program in particular.
I actually have a half written post that I've been meaning to finish about the topic of humane education and why I think it is so very, very important (with links to studies etc). I'll finish it and post it when I get the chance.
As I said, HE sounds like a great idea. I was just saying that, while a good idea and something that *should* be done, I'm not sure it would necessarily prevent the extreme end of sociopathic behaviour like what it sounds like this seven year old did.
Do you know that Compassion in World Farming's Autralian rep, Carole de Fraga, is very into humane education? She organised a workshop on it at Griffith Uni a few months ago. (For all I know you were there.)
Yeah, am aware of that, but didn't go due to funding reasons. Someone did give me a copy of the notes though! WSPA and RNZSPCA also ran a regional (Asia-Pacific) HE workshop that I presented at in July which was very cool.
I've actually managed to land another job in HE here in London. I start in a week and a bit, so it will be very interesting to see what happens with that.
If you are specifically interested in HE I have *heaps* of resources on it I can send you, just flick me your email address and what you're looking for.
I'm personally much more involved in the H than the E ... I just don't know much about education, except for tertiary. Which is funny because I do a lot of teaching, but only at that one level. So I probably WILL ask you for resources, but I'll leave it until I need it, and then what you send me will be more up to date than if I ask for it now and sit on it :-)
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HE is more than "don't throw rocks at the dog" and "buy free range chicken", it is about respect for self, other people, other animals and the environment and promotes the values of kindness, compassion etc. Alot of it is focused on animals/children in domestic violence situations, SPCA Auckland do a very awesome school program in particular.
I actually have a half written post that I've been meaning to finish about the topic of humane education and why I think it is so very, very important (with links to studies etc). I'll finish it and post it when I get the chance.
Reply
Reply
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Do you know that Compassion in World Farming's Autralian rep, Carole de Fraga, is very into humane education? She organised a workshop on it at Griffith Uni a few months ago. (For all I know you were there.)
Reply
I've actually managed to land another job in HE here in London. I start in a week and a bit, so it will be very interesting to see what happens with that.
If you are specifically interested in HE I have *heaps* of resources on it I can send you, just flick me your email address and what you're looking for.
Reply
I'm personally much more involved in the H than the E ... I just don't know much about education, except for tertiary. Which is funny because I do a lot of teaching, but only at that one level. So I probably WILL ask you for resources, but I'll leave it until I need it, and then what you send me will be more up to date than if I ask for it now and sit on it :-)
Reply
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