Disagreements at school typically involve interaction between parents and administrators. If something happens with a teacher, many times the child will come home and let the parents know, allowing them to handle things.
But there are instances when independence kicks in and kids address things on their own. Ava Morrison Bell, an 11-year-old from the U.K., definitely knows how to speak her mind. Further, she can back up what she says with facts.
When given an end-of-the-year survey on how her teacher could improve in the classroom, Ava thoughtfully wrote down her answer:
“Not use collective punishment as it is not fair on the many people who did nothing and under the 1949 Geneva Conventions it is a war crime.”
Yeah, she invoked the Geneva Convention laws. Can you quote any of that? She is referring to Article 33 of the Fourth Conventions which prohibits collective punishment. Touché, Ava, touché.
She has a valid point. I brought the same issue up to my daughter’s 4th grade teacher, who would punish the entire class when only two or three students were causing problems. Each time, it was the same students consistently acting up. It bred resentment among the non-naughty kids who lost privileges such as recess.
To younger kids, they view the teacher as being unfair when they weren’t responsible for the bad behavior. Makes sense. How many adults would want to be punished for something they didn’t do?
But back to this smart young lady’s reference to Article 33, which states:
“No protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited. Pillage is prohibited. Reprisals against protected persons and their property are prohibited.”
We’re sure it gave her teacher pause. Ava’s father was so amused by her response that he posted this joke on Twitter along with a shot of the note:
He made sure to point out that Ava loves her teacher, but this aspect of her teaching methods is a minor problem for her. All of her other review answers were glowing. But of course, Twitter weighed in.
Comments included:
“Buy her ice cream for the entire school year.”
“I’m game to crowdfund her entire year’s ice cream needs tbh.”
“Ice cream and a framed copy of the convention, mate.”
His final decision? The ice cream. Hey, you’ve got to give the girl credit for speaking her mind at such a young age. Some children are too timid or afraid to do that, but for this little girl to have the tenacity to answer that way and provide a scholarly reference is very impressive.
It would not be surprising if Ava winds up becoming a lawyer or advocate of some sort in the future, even if no one is at war. At least she has middle school and high school ahead to help her sharpen her skills.
What are your thoughts on collective punishment in school and Ava’s feedback? Would you have gotten her the ice cream or grounded her?
