Principals say dog safety is parents' responsibility
The Principals Federation says the job of teaching children to be safe around dogs should not be thrust onto schools.
Federation president Pat Newman was commenting on the relaunch of a dog safety programme that includes resources for teachers. He says dog safety follows a long line of add-on jobs for primary schools.
The Stay Dog-Safe This Summer campaign is one of a number of government initiatives aimed at improving public safety around dogs. The initiatives were introduced largely as a result of the mauling of Auckland girl Carolina Anderson in 2003.
A teaching resource called the Dog Box was developed for schools last year. Associate Minister for Local Government Nanaia Mahuta says it was decided to offer the resource again to schools, with the approach of summer when people and dogs are more likely to be out and about.
However, Pat Newman says the campaign is yet another case of schools having to take on what has traditionally been the responsibility of parents.
He says it is getting to the stage where schools are expected to be responsible for every aspect of children's welfare.
However, Ms Mahuta says the programme fits in well with what schools do. She says the programme gives people the tools they need to act in ways that will help keep them and their children safe.
Ms Mahuta says many dog attacks are preventable if people know how to behave around dogs.
Federation president Pat Newman was commenting on the relaunch of a dog safety programme that includes resources for teachers. He says dog safety follows a long line of add-on jobs for primary schools.
The Stay Dog-Safe This Summer campaign is one of a number of government initiatives aimed at improving public safety around dogs. The initiatives were introduced largely as a result of the mauling of Auckland girl Carolina Anderson in 2003.
A teaching resource called the Dog Box was developed for schools last year. Associate Minister for Local Government Nanaia Mahuta says it was decided to offer the resource again to schools, with the approach of summer when people and dogs are more likely to be out and about.
However, Pat Newman says the campaign is yet another case of schools having to take on what has traditionally been the responsibility of parents.
He says it is getting to the stage where schools are expected to be responsible for every aspect of children's welfare.
However, Ms Mahuta says the programme fits in well with what schools do. She says the programme gives people the tools they need to act in ways that will help keep them and their children safe.
Ms Mahuta says many dog attacks are preventable if people know how to behave around dogs.
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