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Archived Press Releases 2007 4th December 2007

GOVERNMENT POLICY PUTS YOUTH ON JOURNEY FROM CRADLE TO JAIL

(4th December 2007)

Anyone watching Close-Up tonight would be jumping for joy; clinical psychologist Nigel Latta absolutely nailed it when he laid the blame for escalating youth violence not on the young people involved – but directly on the heads of politicians and bureaucrats responsible for the legislation that has created the problem.

That is the opinion of the Sensible Sentencing Trust who say Latta is not the only one blaming liberal social polices for deteriorating social values and escalating violence in our communities.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said a study by the American College of Pediatricians shows that the recent legislation to ban smacking is likely to add to our woes and ultimately lead to more youth making the journey from cradle to jail.

“Wrapping youth in cotton wool has been a dismal failure. The Greens may think they are being kind – but more youth are committing crime and ending up in jail than at any time in New Zealand’s previous history.”

McVicar said Nigel Latta makes a lot of sense and his view was shared by a vast majority of New Zealanders as could be seen by the Greens dismal showing in recent opinion polls.”

“Youth thrive on boundaries and accountability; the Greens as yet unfinished cotton wool experiment will haunt us for many years yet.”

“The College of Pediatricians research into corporal punishment reached a conclusion that disciplinary smacking is effective when properly used. With escalating youth violence in our schools and on the streets Sue Bradford’s Bill will mean the continual building of more prisons. Ban smacking – Build Prisons..

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.