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	teen voices

Legislating Manners?

"When any public school student is speaking with any public school system employee while on school property or at a school sponsored event, such student shall address and respond to such public school system employee by using the respectful terms 'Yes, Ma'am' and 'No, Ma'am' or 'Yes, Sir' and 'No, Sir,' as appropriate..."
--Louisiana Respect Bill

In most traditional public schools, students have little control over their environment. Teachers and administrators direct where they sit, how they play, when they speak, and now, in Louisiana, what they say. The intent of the law does not appear to be malicious or demeaning; it is, rather, an "attempt to restore respect to the classroom." A worthy goal--but is it attainable through legislation?

Manners and protocol are society's standard operating procedures, codes of conduct, and accepted customs. We want to give our children the tools they need to develop into confident adults in the workplace and the community. Instead of legislating etiquette, we might offer classes that would prepare children for the larger world. There is a vast difference between guiding children to adulthood and mandating a form of speech.

While the Louisiana law excludes suspension or expulsion of violators, it does allow for consequences. Very young children will probably be fearful of yet one more rule to learn, remember, and follow. Teenagers who are already struggling with their identity and independence will be more apt to view the law with resentment, as an issue of control and manipulation. A child who has been learning in a healthy environment will, with maturity and varied experiences, develop the wisdom to respond appropriately to authority. Adding an element of fear does not help to create a positive learning experience.

Respect can be a gift, freely given to one who has earned our esteem. If respect, rather than compulsory compliance, is truly the goal, then we need to create an environment of mutual consideration between children and teachers.