Should children be taught First Aid and Self Defence at school.

[RATTER15]

Im talking about defence not attack!

I have just completed a course in Physical Intervention, a course that teaches breakaway techniques and how to restrain (without harming them) someone that may be attacking you or someone else.

I see these type of course far more beneficial than studying Religion or sport, sport and fitness can be undertaken outside of school as a non essential activity.

[Robinia]

*oops - pursue
I obviously needed more spelling lessons :)

[craft1948]

I agree woofgang, sport in schools is not the be all and end all but I do think it is important. Another of my friends was encouraged musically, she was a brilliant cellist and singer whilst I was absolutely tone deaf. I think the main thing should be that schools bring out the best in you, regardless of what your talents are.
If first aid can be taught at school I think that can do nothing but good.

[China Doll]

Aye, I think you told me that before. Certainly both my sisters (who were good at sports and were respectively good at sprinting and long distance running) had to stop doing them due to respectively a dodgy knee and hip pain! If I ever have kids then I think it's something I'd keep a bit of an eye on. I don't think my parents would have had a clue about such things when i was younger though.

[RATTER15]

Interesting answers, many thanks.

Personally, I was never into most sports, I just think that self defence would be useful as a safety measure rather than sport.

[237SJ]

Ratter, when you think what we had on our doorstep - Exmoor one side, the Atlantic on the other one wonders why they didn`t use those resources to make the sport at school more interesting. What did we get though? Boring netball, hockey and cross country over hills in the p1ssing rain. I suppose it was all down to cost.

[nungate]

My daughter started school at 4 and was taught judo all the way through until she left for secondary school and before she left secondary her year was taken to Redford Barracks where they were taught some means of self defence by the army. I should maybe point out that she was privately educated, so I don't know how things were done in the state schools