Parents in Holland want schools to be stricter

Elsevier Online reports today that most Dutch parents want schools to be stricter with their children. Stricter in discipline, and more demanding in lesson materials and method. This was the result of a survey among around 500 parents with at least one child attending primary or secondary school.

It is significant that parents want their children to address their teachers politely and with respect. No first names - Mr Mrs or Ms plus surname. Dutch has a formal word for "you" - "U" - and a more familiar version "jij" which is used for family, friends and peer group. Parents want their children to revert to "U" when talking with school staff.

The results of this survey indicate once again how big the gap is between the dominant political class and the views and wishes of ordinary people in Western countries.