Tests 'rob pupils of childhood'

A teachers' leader today accused the Government of robbing young children of their childhood, by putting them under too much pressure to pass exams.

John O'Neil, chairman of the Professional Association of Teachers, said the pressure of exams - and exposure to violence and bad language on the television - meant children were "coerced" into growing up too fast.

Mr O'Neil, a former primary school head and now a supply teacher, was speaking at the opening of his union's annual conference in Harrogate.

He said: "Childhood itself is under so much pressure today. Our youngsters are almost coerced into growing up far too fast."

The Government's policies had to bear some of the blame, he said. "Look at today's children. Tested and then tested again, throughout life. Expected as seven-year-olds to be small 16-yearolds. Children are little beings, not inanimate objects; not little vessels to be filled to the brim with academic knowledge.

"As educational professionals, it behoves us to defend our youngsters."

Parents also had to bear responsibility for children's development, Mr O'Neil said, but he criticised the Government's punitive approach, including the introduction of a "fast track" prosecution system for the parents of truants.