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November 24, 2008

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Zero Tolerance Does Not Equal Zero Victims Schools today have policies in place to deal with an array of safety issues, some of which are cyber bullying, abuse, crime, property damage, and violence. Many school boards now use the term “zero tolerance” to deal with any infractions against school rules; in fact, those words are written into some school board policy. What this means is that no investigation or judgment is required from the school principal; automatic, swift, harsh, and consistent punishment follows without question. If a child breaks almost any school rule, or the law, they face immediate suspension or expulsion from school. There have been many cases to show that zero tolerance both works and doesn’t. Because zero tolerance was adapted from an American model, some of the most bizarre and memorable cases have originated there. In 1999, a six-year-old boy in Colorado Springs was suspended under a zero tolerance drug policy when he gave another child a lemon drop candy. The teacher did not recognize the candy package and called the ambulance. Once it was discovered that the small, pill-like candy was indeed a sweet, the school still upheld the half-day suspension because they had a zero-tolerance drug policy. This may seem extreme, but such stories abound. In 2002, an eleven-year-old boy in New York died of complications due to asthma because the school’s zero tolerance policy prevented him from carrying an inhaler to school. In the same year, thirty-three kindergarten children were suspended due to zero tolerance. In Canada, a twelve-year old Halifax girl was suspended for pushing another girl, her friend, into a snow bank. These ridiculous cases aside, the argument for zero tolerance is, of course, that it acts as a general deterrent. If kids know there will be instant punishment for breaking any rules, the thinking goes, they won’t break the rules. If that really worked, there would never be a child grounded by a parent! Studies show that even the worst deterrent possible, the death penalty, doesn’t stop someone who is determined to murder. So how can we expect that children will choose not to break the rules because suspension will result? That fact is that zero tolerance does not prevent victims. It is a reactive measure at best, since zero tolerance only comes into play once a victim has been made. Policy that only reacts makes way for victimization. It is simply too little, too late. Besides, interpreting zero tolerance policy can be confusing to many who are called upon to use it. Is it  zero tolerance towards the actual behavior or towards the individual students? Zero tolerance as a means to end violence in schools is inadequate and ineffective for several reasons. 1.  It cannot address the majority of violence, since most happens off school property (although the initial target is found during school). 2.  It is unfair. Each situation is different, and victims who defend themselves are often suspended along with the offenders. 3.  It takes all the thinking away from the front line—teachers and principals—and closes any doors to problem solving opportunities. Having clear, fair, proactive policies in place that encourage a cooperative approach to violence is far more effective than zero tolerance. Thankfully, although zero tolerance is written into many school policies, often the principal herself takes the time to learn about each incident and uses common sense, sound judgment, and problem-solving before resorting to zero tolerance. As a parent, do you know if your school follows zero tolerance policy? If you are not sure, take five minutes the next day you take your child to school and ask the principal. You need to know where your principal stands on this very important and often controversial procedure. 6 Toxins That Lurk in Your Home Winter ushers in a season of sickness, but it is possible that germs aren't the only things that are making you and your family ill. Here are some items in and around your house that could be to blame. Read more>>>> Father of brain-injured child offers hope to others After a babysitter shook his daughter, this dad created a  first-of-its-kind Web site. Choosing to find hope amid tragedy, this dad seeks to convince families affected by shaken baby syndrome to post the complete medical records of their injured children online. (www.thebrainproject.org)  Read story >>> Florida teen commits suicide on live web cam A Florida teen, with a history of mental illness, is dead after committing suicide live on the Internet as 1,000 people reportedly watched. Read story >>> We're Hiring! Kidproof NEWS Community Coordinators We are looking for exceptional, highly motivated, career focused Kidproof NEWS Community Coordinators to work in our newest division Kidproof MEDIA. This is a work-from-home position that requires someone with excellent organization and communication skills and a dedication and desire to help us bring vital information to your community. Learn more about this exciting position! The best and most affordable way to reach your local community  Learn More >>>>   Holiday Special *DECEMBER 2008 ONE FREE AD CELL With purchase of 3 or more future editions Limited space available Not including ad design fee if required Ads may be reserved up to 12 months in advance and billed monthly  Reach between 8,000 – 12,000 local readers each month! Distributed to Community Centres, Schools,Child Care Centres, Local Businesses, Doctors Offices…where your customers go! One low price, any space any month! Famous Parenting Publication! Contact: 1-866-467-2338 news@kidproofcanada.com November 20th Kick a Ginger Day Is this just innocent fun, or a hate motivated assault? On November 20th, "ginger haired kids" (red head's)  across Canada went to school not knowing if they were going to be the target of assault.  "Kick a Ginger Day" is a day created by South Park Television show, that encourages kids to kick all red headed people.  In South Park style humor, they claim that red head's are "nasty," "have no souls" and "diseased."    A Facebook user from Canada created a group encouraging others to assault Red Heads, and within hours, thousands of kids boasted about their personal assaults on "gingers" and the game was on.  Unfortunately, there were also a number of reports of ginger haired children who were kicked throughout the day. Police could consider any assault where a person was targeted because of the color of their hair a Hate Crime.  But does it stop there? Do you feel that South Park has some responsibility by creating this day and encouraged the assaults, or do you think it was just all in fun, and really no harm done? Tell us what you think....   Kidproof in the News...   With the recent abduction and assault of a nine year old boy in Brampton, Ontario, Metro Morning called upon Samantha for her expert advice and opinion on Preventing Child Abduction. If you missed it, listen here >>>>  (Runs 5:26) In Tough Economic Times, Owning a Franchise is Often the Answer If you are one of the talented, quality employees who has recently lost your job because of a tough economy, this is the ideal time to buy a franchise business and put yourself in the driver's seat. When you join a proven franchise opportunity you are handed a tested, proven business model. Bankers know the likelihood to succeed with a franchise is much greater and easier than starting your own business from scratch, so even in a weak economy, they are more willing to offer loans for franchise purchases. Find out how you can become part of the largest child safety education business today! Click to learn more >>> Kidproof NEWS is read by over 25,000 subscribers in 13 countries...Pass it on Email This Page Nutritious is Delicious! KidsEat Culinary...our fight against childhood obesity starts at school. For more information, or to book KidsEat at your school, contact Michaela at mcorr@kidproofcanada.com 604-541-9264 x 101.    In Case You Missed It... 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