There is only one way to truly stop crime and that is to help people develop a better worldview. The best way to do that is to ensure that every school helps kids develop good character. Character Education reduces crime by helping kids see others differently. If they see others differently, their actions towards others and people’s property change.
In the last couple of years, crime rates have been on the rise. Especially in our own News in New Zealand, there have been daily reports of youth crime and ram raids on businesses and thefts. In this article, we will look at how character education reduces crime.
Despite comments made by the government and Police, the problem continues to persist if not grow. Solutions to this problem are many and varied and are bounded about on social media. From the perspective of prevention, one of the key reasons behind crime is the lack of character education.
Character education refers to the process of instilling moral and ethical values in individuals from a young age, to help them become responsible and contributing members of society. Let’s explore the concept of character education and how it can help reduce crime.
Character Education and its Importance:
Character education is an essential aspect of the overall development of individuals, both young and old. It helps people develop values such as responsibility, honesty, respect, empathy, and integrity. These values help individuals lead a fulfilling life and contribute positively to society. Through character education, individuals learn how to be accountable for their actions, make good decisions, and respect others.
If parents and schools continue to neglect this aspect of education, we will only see further increases in crime and a decline in security.
At Interweb Education, we have been suggesting this very solution to schools since 2003. We have also developed and promoted resources to schools and parents to help them ensure character education is a part of the education of every child rather than filling young minds with a “gender identity” ideology.
Character Education and Crime Reduction:
Crime is often the result of people making poor decisions and lacking moral values. Some people like to attribute crime to events that happened decades before they were born, their environment or because they are “victims of society”. This is totally wrong.
Crime is not a result of poverty or the environment in which they live, but wrong personal choices from a lack of character education. By teaching individuals to make better choices and instilling moral values, like personal responsibility, honesty and respect, character education can help reduce crime rates.
Research has shown that parental relations, peer pressure, education, and brain function are major influencers of criminal behaviour (“Causes of Crime”, encyclopedia.com). Individuals who have received character education though are less likely to engage in criminal activities. They are more likely to respect others, make good decisions, and be accountable for their actions. In addition, character education can help individuals develop problem-solving skills, which can be useful in avoiding or resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.
Parents are the main moral educators of our children but while there are false claims by the media, minority action groups and adherents to “Critical Race Theory” that many people are “victims” of things they have no control over or by an oppressive system, the true cause of crime is being brushed under the carpet. This cause is a lack of personal responsibility of the parent and the child. This cycle has continued until we now see teens stealing cars and ramming into shops every day! Character Education reduces crime, not teaching kids that they are victims of society!
Character Education in Schools:
As I said, parents are supposed to be the moral educators of their children but this is not happening to the degree that is needed for a civilized society. Unless schools start to fill this lack, we can only expect chaos in the future.
Character education should be an integral part of the curriculum in every school. Schools are the ideal place to teach character as they provide an environment where students can learn, practice and apply the values taught within their gates and the code of their students.
Teachers can use a range of teaching methods (as taught in our Character Education kit) to help students develop positive character traits, such as role-playing, group activities, storytelling, and community service projects.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Cultivating Moral Values
One of the key focuses of character education is the cultivation of moral values, such as honesty, respect, and integrity. By integrating these principles into the school’s curriculum, students are encouraged to develop and practice these values in their daily lives. When individuals possess a strong moral compass, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities as their actions are guided by a sense of right and wrong. Character education, therefore, plays a vital role in preventing crime by shaping individuals’ moral character.
Promoting Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Empathy and emotional intelligence are fundamental aspects of character education. By teaching students to understand and empathise with others’ perspectives, character education helps build a more compassionate society. When individuals can put themselves in others’ shoes, they are less likely to resort to criminal behaviour, as they recognize the impact of their actions on others. Developing emotional intelligence also enables individuals to manage conflicts peacefully, reducing the likelihood of violence or aggression.
Fostering Responsible Decision-Making
Character education emphasises the importance of responsible decision-making. Students learn critical thinking skills and develop the ability to evaluate the consequences of their actions. By understanding the potential impact of their choices on themselves and those around them, individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions and avoid engaging in criminal behaviour. Character education equips individuals with the tools necessary to navigate challenging situations, resolve conflicts, and choose lawful and ethical paths.
Creating a Supportive School Environment
Character education is not limited to classroom instruction; it extends to the overall school environment. Schools that prioritize character education create a supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and respected. This positive environment reduces the risk of bullying, violence, and other forms of negative behaviour that can lead to criminal activity. By fostering a sense of community and promoting positive relationships among students, character education contributes to a safer and more cohesive school environment.
Character Education in Communities:
In addition to schools, communities also play a role in character development. Parents, community leaders, and organisations should all work together with the school to promote character education in their local area. This can be done through community service projects, workshops, the School Farming Community and other activities.
Where to from here?
Character education is essential to combating crime. By teaching about moral values and how these traits of character help individuals in their lives, we can help them make better choices and become responsible members of society.
Again, It is not just the responsibility of schools and educators, but also of parents, community leaders, and organisations to promote character education. Only through a concerted effort can we hope to reduce crime rates and build a safer, more just society.
Get started today by downloading a copy of the Character Education kit for your school!