|
|
Boys and Attention Deficit Disorder
Increasing numbers of boys are disengaging from school and developing negative
attitudes to learning. Some have low self-esteem, difficulty communicating
with others and display problems at school. Some boys are experiencing learning
difficulties and the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing.
So, what is the problem facing boys and what can be done to help?
At this Thursday's public hearing the House of Representatives Education
Committee will discuss boys and violence, and the rising incidence of
attention deficit disorder and its impact on the education of boys with
representatives of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Ms Sarah Hordern is the Association's National Policy Officer and Ms Elizabeth
Moleta and Mr Paul Wyles are Association members with experience in the
correction of violent behaviours in young people.
- Public hearing: House of Representatives Education Committee
The education of boys inquiry
Ms Sarah Hordern
Ms Elizabeth Moleta
Mr Paul Wyles
- Where: Committee room 1R3, Parliament House
- When: Thursday 7 June, 9 am - 9.45 am
The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into
the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational
factors affecting boys.
Mrs Kay Elson, Committee Chair, said there is some concern that ADD
and ADHD are not the root cause of the behavioural problems of some boys
diagnosed with these conditions.
"We are concerned that drug treatments for ADD and ADHD are being prescribed
for some boys to deal with behavioural problems arising from other causes"
Mrs Elson said. "Where poor parenting skills, or a family problem, are
behind misbehaviour it is better to treat the cause and not just the symptom.
In some families, boys have learnt to use violent responses to deal with
frustration and anger and the Committee is interested in a program used
by some social workers which teaches these boys how to manage and express
their frustration and anger in non-violent and non-abusive ways."
For background information on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr
For media comment contact Mrs Kay Elson, MP, Chair of the House
Education Committee, on (02) 6277 4274
For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02)
6277 4573.
|
|
