Should Children Think Like Terrorists?

A year ago, I had a conversation with an acquaintance about suicide bombers. She told me that she had never understood suicide bombers until she saw the film Paradise Now. I subsequently watched the film myself, partly to see what was so persuasive, but it made me angrier against suicide bombers, not more sympathetic.

When I learned early last week that the government had withdrawn a teaching pack, which encouraged children to put themselves in the position of 7/7 suicide bombers, my immediate reaction was that ministers had made the right decision.

In my history lessons at school, I was never taught about the Nazis in this way. One drama teacher who encouraged pupils to explore themes around the Holocaust caused a stir and the exploration was brought to an abrupt end by other outraged teachers at my school. I imagine it is scenarios like this that caused the Department for Children, Schools and Families to think again.

"While the resource in no way looks to justify or excuse the terrible events of 7/7, and is designed to educate against violent extremism, we appreciate that it may not be appropriate for use in schools," a DCSF spokesman said.
"It's important that young people discuss these difficult and controversial issues in a controlled environment but, in this case, ministers apologise for any offence caused."

The Daily Telegraph quoted Jacqui Putnam, who survived the Edgeware bomb on July 7.

"I can't see why anyone would think it is a valuable exercise to encourage children to put themselves in the position of men who treated people in such an inhuman way," she said.
"To encourage children to see the world in that way is a dangerous thing. Surely, there must be a better way of achieving their objective?"

Another strong point was made by Patrick Mercer, chairman of the Commons terrorism subcommittee, who said: "How useful is it to pretend to be a suicide bomber if it defeats the object of the lesson?"

I agree. The packs were designed for children as young as 11 and, at that age, a clear and simple message about terrorism should be driven home.

I would hope that ultimately the aim would be for anyone who saw a film like Paradise Now to feel rage and sadness that suicide bombing is the last option the disaffected have.