Why has RESPECTisms been developed?

The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms has been developed as a guide to assist young people in making better choices in their lives as they grow into adulthood. Successfully making the transition from childhood towards independence requires young people to take responsibility for themselves and their actions. In the past, this was usually a matter of unguided experimentation. If only life as a teenager came with a manual, those youthful years would be so much easier to navigate. You may recall your own parents and teachers demanding respect and responsibility, perhaps imposing it by means of threats and punishment (probably with limited success). In time, by trial and especially error, and by learning from peers, some sense of responsibility emerges.

Today, nurturing a sense of respect and responsibility in young people should never be left to chance. Teaching responsibility – for self and others – is a life skill that can be taught in a structured way, just like maths and English. If you have the right tools. From an early age young people can learn constructive responses to challenges in a way that empowers them to be able to realistically evaluate risk, anticipate the effects of their behaviour and plan ahead.

Young people who have mastered respect and responsibility will have a greater sense of being able to direct their own lives. That in turn frees them to consider the needs and feelings of others, as they discover how their actions really do matter and make a difference in society.

The emotional and social well-being of a young person's mind is crucial in creating a climate of respect and self-respect. The components of The Seven Principles of RESPECTisms work towards creating this climate where a young person can effectively learn and aspire to become an active shareholder in his or her community.