Anyone with experience of working or living with children will know their ability to detect
injustice is highly developed – “but it’s not fair” is a regular refrain. However, we rarely
ask them to channel this natural flair for fairness into productive and critical discussion
about the nature of equality, what constitutes fair treatment, and who gets to define such
standards.
Young people need to understand equality and know their rights, to understand both how
they should be treated, and how they should treat others. Teaching these topics creates a
safe place for students to explore, discuss, challenge and form their own opinions and
values.
The knowledge and respect of rights that students gain from this, combined with
understanding, respect and tolerance for difference, can empower them to tackle prejudice,
improve relationships and make the most of their lives. In our ever more diverse and
challenging society, it becomes more important to instill young people with these positive
and open-minded attitudes