Editorial
The practice of paedophilia has to be one of the vilest of crimes, and adults who prey on the vulnerability of children must be subject to harsh responses. But, while society has to be aware of risks and be wary, it has been obvious for some time that common sense was abandoned in the aftermath of the infamous Christchurch Civic Creche case and the conviction of Peter Ellis in 1993. Men became cautious of making voluntary contributions to youth and children’s groups in the face of potential suspicion, and they all but deserted pre-school jobs. Many sensible, sensitive men refused to put themselves through the grief and danger of accusation, to the extent that only 1% of pre-school educators today are male and male primary school teachers are in short supply.

September 30 2006

At the same time, bureaucratic and unnatural codes of conduct developed, with the Commissioner for Children leading the charge. The 1998 guidelines of the pre-school and primary teachers’ union, the New Zealand Educational Institute, even frowned on hand-holding. How miserable it all has been for many children, and how frustrating for teachers. Small girls and boys do sometimes need hugs and they crave proper affection, tenderness and reassurance. Spurning the crying needs of their pupils must have distressed all those concerned, although it is likely, as with many ridiculous rules, that the code was often simply ignored in practice.

At least the NZEI finally realised it had gone too far, this week softening its stance. “Positive and affirming” contact to provide emotional support or to praise a child is now to be encouraged. Those who withdraw or are guarded in interacting with students “may not be acting as positive role models”. Sensibly, the code says common sense is required and the age of the children makes a difference. And it could well be that awareness to different cultures with different norms, as the code notes, is required. While it is important to protect teachers from the threat of false allegations, and a certain degree of caution by all concerned is needed in some situations, it will be a welcome return to normality not to have all teachers regarded as potential paedophiles.

Some schools have gone as far as excluding photographs of pupils on their websites, another overreaction. Although the possibility of the tiny minority of paedophiles gawking at children can never be excluded ­ even in the street for that matter ­ life must continue to be lived and celebrated. Pictures of happy children and those who have done well bring much pleasure, whether on websites or in the newspaper. Are some suggesting our children should be hidden away or covered up like many Middle Eastern women?

The strict camera rules imposed on spectators at this week’s national gymnastics championship in Christchurch also went too far. Cameras were to be registered and labelled to combat the risk of paedophiles taking inappropriate photographs of young gymnasts. In this context, said Safe sexual offenders programme director John McCarthy, the risk of paedophiles attending the event was small. While he understood the organisers’ thinking, it seemed overcautious, he said. He pointed out those interested in explicit images of children were also attracted by normal images, and although people with paedophilia tendencies could well find child gymnastics appealing, the great majority of child sex abuse took place within a family environment, or by someone known to the child.

The best approach for parents, schools and anyone with responsibilities for children is to stay alert, make sure proper checks are in place and not ignore the possibility of paedophiles. But, at the same time, that awareness should not preclude normal interaction and healthy contact.

The costs of paranoia in this area have been, and are, far too high.

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