The truth about Australia’s climate change truants

A bunch of stroppy kids wagging class to wave placards isn’t going to solve anything - and most of them probably couldn’t care less.

OPINION

When I went to school, a hundred years ago in the UK, we looked forward to “snow days”. Basically, if enough snow fell overnight, you bagged the day off, even if it had all melted away by 9am.

Every kid of every age loves a day off school — especially without the guilt of wagging.

It’s a free pass.

Human beings of all ages like getting things for free.

Aussie children preparing for the upcoming student climate strike tomorrow are no different.

Students preparing to skip school on Friday for climate change strike. Picture: AAP/Megan Slade

If you listen to Green activists: Children today are entirely across climate change policy.

If you believe what these people tell you, these kids are living every moment of their lives terrified they’re going to boil to death because we have a government dragging its heels on taking action.

What a load of baloney.

This isn’t a “movement” — it’s a good old day off.

There will be more than 50 rallies across the country. Are we seriously meant to believe our cities and regional areas are full of young climate science wizards?

Are we honestly supposed to believe that these children are terrified about Adani, debating renewable targets and discussing fossil fuel projects?

Tens of thousands of children will skip school to protest against climate change. Picture: AAP/Megan Slade

If they’re concerned about climate change, it may be wise to look a little closer into who’s schooling them.

One relief teacher in NSW, who just happens to be a Greens candidate, is being investigated by the Department of Education. Will Douglas is contesting the seat of Bega and in his spare time he was inside a lunchtime candidates’ forum with students from a range of high schools and declared: “Please don’t forget March 15 the climate strike … if there’s something happening at your school will you please get online and register because there’s a whole community out there wanting to support you guys, young people, in that strike.”

When criticised the candidate/schoolteacher said, “It shouldn’t be this hard to speak up for climate action.”

It’s not hard to speak up for climate action though, is it? That’s why adults have a vote.

If you actually care about your child’s education don’t encourage them to take time out of class when they should be learning.

A bunch of kids wagging class to wave placards isn’t going to magically fix climate change.

Stroppy kids can make all the demands they like but it’s not going to impact real change, is it?

Burwood Girls School student Joanne Tran won't be skipping school to protest climate change. She says we need students who are not easily manipulated by activists. Picture: Dylan Robinson

These children are not, as Greens would love you to believe, voicing genuine concerns regarding the Morrison Government’s record.

If they’re speaking about fears for their future, it’s thanks to hard line left-wing fear mongering and hype.

Many schools have warned students that if they don’t attend and miss tests because they’re striking rather than studying they will receive a zero score. Damn right.

Many schools are leaving it to parents to decide whether children participate.

Well, then this day will clearly show who takes the responsibility of parenting seriously.

The message to young, impressionable minds should be that if you’re aspiring to be an activist, get an education first and actually take meaningful, purposeful action.

Virtue signalling your way out of class should not be applauded.

Corrine Barraclough is a freelance writer. Continue the conversation @TweetCorrineB